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Program Description:
The Orthopaedic Surgery Physician Assistant Residency Program (OSPAR) is a joint effort of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Arrowhead Orthopaedics. The OSPAR program is an intensive clinical and didactic training experience with an emphasis in orthopaedic emergency and trauma. The Resident will gain competency in evaluation and treatment of trauma patients, orthopaedic office procedures, evaluation and care of the outpatient orthopaedic patient, and in first assisting the surgeon with all orthopaedic procedures. In addition to the 250 operative cases performed monthly by the Orthopaedic Department, we also have daily outpatient clinics that average 1,200 patient appointments per month.
The OSPAR program is a full time twelve month training program that requires an average of 70 hours per week of operative, clinical and emergency room based work. The program offers a certificate of completion with up to fifty CME credits authorized through the AAPA. In addition, a benefit package including a stipend, health insurance, textbooks, meal allowance, and vacation is provided.
The Orthopaedic staff consists of eleven full-time, board certified Orthopaedic Surgeons with sub-specialties in the following areas: hand and upper extremity, pediatrics, spine, lower extremity, total joint replacement, sports medicine, orthopaedic trauma, foot and ankle. We offer 2 classes per year. The fall class starts in October and the Spring class starts in April of each year. Each class is preceded with three weeks of supervised orientation. Applications are accepted year-round with interviews being held in January and June.
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ARC-PA Accreditation Status:
The OSPAR program embarked on the challenge of obtaining accreditation with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Achieving accreditation for post-graduate training programs is voluntary. Meeting the standards set fourth by the ARC-PA will benefit our residents. It will support a structured learning environment for both didactic and clinical aspects of the program as well as motivational inspiration for our faculty to continue providing excellent educational opportunities. The OSPAR program completed their site visit with the ARC-PA in July 2009. In September of 2009 the AO Orthopaedic Surgery PA Residency Program (OSPAR) received the distinguished honor of becoming the FIRST Orthopaedic P.A. Residency Program to be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physicians Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).
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Program History:
Arrowhead Orthopaedics is committed to providing superior sub-specialty orthopaedic services in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The OSPAR program is but one obvious manifestation of the group’s commitment to excellence through the training of postgraduate Physician Assistants to practice as Orthopaedic Specialists.
The first graduating class of the OSPAR program was in 1995. The program was conceived and implemented by Dr. Mudge and Ms. Debbie Winberry, PA-C at the original San Bernardino County Hospital. The program was maintained and transitioned into the new county facility known as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in 1999. The program has graduated a total of 28 classes.
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Program Location:
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center is a level II trauma and teaching hospital, located at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. ARMC receives trauma patients from the largest single county in the United States.
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Program Address:
Orthopaedic Surgery P.A. Residency
Program Director
P.O. Box 8520
Redlands, CA 92375
Contact Us:
Telephone: 909-580-3390
Fax: 909-580-6369
Heidi R. Turpen-Folks, PA-C
Director
turpenh@armc.sbcounty.gov
PA Residency Application:
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
(Note: 
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view application.)
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