Attendings/Residents/Students (lifestyle, criticism, aura): Dr. Hamm and Dr. Casciato are so much fun to work with. Dr. Hamm is great if you can handle sarcasm, but you definitely have to get used to his sense of humor at first. a breath of fresh air from other uptight attendings i have met. Dr. Casciato is a huge asset to this program as well. Fellowship trained in Charcot recon, he brings in tons of recon cases for the residents. Both Drs. are very well educated and clearly well read. Dr. Hamm likes pimping more than the rest, but not anything out of the ordinary. I would definitely read up on some new articles (not watkins) before coming here. Residents are FANTASTIC, the students get to spend most of their time with the PGY1s (Dr. Boccabella and Dr. Calhoun) which are both amazing people to work with. Both are incredibly kind and easygoing and have learned a lot during their time here. residents are very well educated doctors.
Didactics: Tuesday Mornings. Students had a presentation at the end of the month over whatever topic we chose and was cleared by Dr. Hamm
OR Experience: OR time every single day. The residents got a ton of exposure, since up until 2024 they only took one student a year. i believe they have started taking two a year now. They were both doing some big cases, even as PGY1s (STJ fusions, TARs, etc)
Clinic Experience: 7am to 4/5 ish every day. some days are busier than others. students are responsible for covering the clinic with resident unless there are cases, then cases take precedence.
Research Opportunities: didn’t ask
City Life: Orlando is fun, Lake Nona (where the hospital is located) is right next to the airport so easy to get to and stay near. lots of hotels and airbnbs around the area. Didn’t get a chance to explore too much of the city but everyone recommended disney world, epcot, etc.
Favorite Part: Chill attendings and residents, residents get TONS of surgical experience, florida weather can’t be beat honestly.
Constructive Criticism: Hours are long some days, students have to be at the hospital by 6am to round every day with the resident and leave after clinic is done. overall really good program if you want to be well surgically trained, very busy, and live somewhere warm
