Welcome to the Ortho Florida Adult Reconstruction Fellowship Program

Overview of the Fellowship

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Ortho Florida Adult Reconstruction Fellowship Program, a collaborative initiative between The Institute for Mobility and Longevity and Gardner Orthopedics. Located in scenic Fort Myers, Florida, this one-year fellowship combines extensive clinical experience with robust research opportunities in adult reconstruction surgery. This includes extensive exposure to primary and complex revision arthroplasty and all modern approaches to each major joint (for example direct anterior, trochanteric and tubercle osteotomies for revision arthroplasties, etc). Candidates will be guided by our principal surgeons, who boast nearly 200 years of combined clinical experience.

Why Fort Myers?

Fort Myers is not just our location but also your potential new home. It also is home to a major airport (Southwest Florida International Airport) as well as a hospital system which has always been Nationally Ranked at the top in numbers of joint arthroplasties performed. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant downtown, Fort Myers offers a subtropical climate with abundant sunshine perfect for both work and leisure. This city supports an active lifestyle with its myriad outdoor activities, excellent infrastructure, and family-friendly environment.

Meet Our Clinical Faculty

These esteemed professionals lead the program with a commitment to both patient care and fellow education.

  1. W. Andrew Hodge, MD (Program Director)
  2. Madhish Patel, DO (Associate Director)
  3. Ronald Gardner, MD
  • Ronald Gardner, MD
    Ronald Gardner, MDBoard Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Andrew Hodge, MD
    Andrew Hodge, MDBoard Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Madhish Patel, DO
    Madhish Patel, DOBoard Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon

Research Opportunities

Each fellow is expected to undertake at least one publication-quality research project, with options for additional studies. Our program provides full access to multicenter research initiatives, a state-of-the-art biomechanical research lab, and research coordinators to support your work.

Educational Opportunities

Our fellows enjoy a comprehensive educational schedule including:

  1. Attending one Specialty courses like IEP, Disasterplasty, or Vail Arthroplasty as well as attending tours of Orthopedic Manufacturing Facilities
  2. Monthly Adult Reconstruction Journal Club
  3. Weekly case study didactics focused on arthroplasty
  4. Visits to notable facilities, such as Dr. Russell Nevins’ practice in Las Vegas, and various cadaver labs
  5. Attendance at one major conferences and educational meetings
    1. American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
    2. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
    3. International Congress of Joint Replacement

Clinical Experience

Fellows are immersed in direct patient care through:

  1. New patient evaluations
  2. Post-operative visits in our Fellow’s Clinic
  3. “Level 3” and optional “Level 2” call duties, alongside trauma-trained surgeons
  4. Exposure to private practice intricacies including authorizations, coding, scheduling, billing, contracting, staffing, how to manage “non-covered services”, use of ancillaries and mid-level provider services, patient flow optimization, etc.

Hospital Coverage

Fellows serve as Junior Faculty members, participating in:

  1. Surgical bookings and billing during on-call
  2. Rounds for adult reconstruction inpatients, with support from attending surgeons and PA/NP extenders.

Application Details

Our application follows the standard SF application requirements. Join our program by submitting the following:

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Personal Statement
  3. Medical School Transcript
  4. USMLE Step I Transcript & Score > 220 is suggested with one (1) attempt/ COMLEX Level equivalent
  5. USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score >220 is suggested with one (1) attempt / COMLEX Level 2 equivalent
  6. Three Letters of Recommendation (Including residency program director if applicable.)

Contact Information:

Interested in learning more? Please fill out our Interest Form below to stay updated and ask any questions you might have.

Fellowship Program Interest Form

Join us at the Ortho Florida Adult Reconstruction Fellowship Program for a year of unparalleled growth and learning in beautiful Fort Myers!