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Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant Fellowship

A full-time, 12-month post-graduate fellowship for new and early-career Physician Assistants, with first-assist OR experience, outpatient clinic and inpatient orthopedic care across every subspecialty.

Program Overview

The Orthopedic Surgery PA Fellowship at The CORE Institute is a full-time, 12-month advanced clinical training program designed for newly graduated or early-career Physician Assistants seeking specialized experience in orthopedic surgery. This post-graduate fellowship bridges the transition from PA school to clinical practice in a high-volume, high-acuity surgical setting.

Fellows will work closely with attending orthopedic surgeons, fellows, residents, and experienced advanced practice providers to develop advanced diagnostic, surgical, and patient management skills in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Clinical Training

  • Hands-on operative experience across subspecialties (e.g., trauma, sports medicine, joints, spine, hand, foot & ankle)
  • First-assist in the OR, pre- and post-operative patient care
  • Comprehensive outpatient clinical exposure, including fracture care, injections, and follow-up management
  • Emergency department consultations and inpatient orthopedic management
  • Participation in rounds and case discussions

Educational Components

  • Didactic sessions and skills labs
  • Access to orthopedic journal clubs and CME opportunities
  • Quality improvement or research project during the fellowship year
  • Certificate of completion awarded upon graduation
  • Preparation for the NCCPA CAQ

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive stipend
  • Full-time employee benefits including health, dental, vision, and malpractice coverage
  • Paid time off and CME allowance

Faculty

David Eschler, PA-C

Program Director

Eligibility

  • Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant Program
  • NCCPA certification (or eligibility at time of application)
  • PA licensure in the state of Arizona
  • DEA license
  • BLS and ACLS certifications
  • Demonstrated interest in orthopedic surgery
  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills

How to Apply

Submit all application materials and any questions to [email protected].

Application Requirements

  • Current CV
  • Personal statement detailing interest in orthopedic surgery and goals for fellowship training
  • Three letters of recommendation (including one from a surgical or clinical preceptor)
  • Official PA program transcript (if requested)
  • Proof of NCCPA certification or eligibility

Living in Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in America, with 300+ days of sun per year, a celebrated food scene, world class outdoor activities, including prestigious golf courses, hiking and more. Phoenix is well located for travel, with a large, centrally located airport that serves as a hub for multiple airlines, and is just a few hours’ drive from many scenic destinations including Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Moab, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and more.

Questions About Our Fellowships?

Contact our Senior Fellowship Coordinator, Susie Redell.

The CORE Institute
18444 N 25th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023