Program Overview
Application Process
Application Requirements
Non-ACGME Additional Requirements
Foreign Medical Graduates
Interview Selection Criteria
Interview Dates
Contact us
Program Overview
Program Training Director: Melissa M. Erickson, MD
Associated faculty: Christopher Shaffrey, MD, William J. Richardson, MD; Brett Rocos, MD; Christopher R. Brown, MD; Gloria G. Liu, MD, MS, H. Michael Guo, MD, PhD
Fellowship Dates: August 1 through July 31
Number of fellows: Two (non-ACGME)
The goal of the Duke Orthopaedic Adult Spinal Surgery Fellowship is to provide training in the evaluation and treatment of the full spectrum of spinal disorders, including Trauma, Degenerative, Deformity, Tumor, and Reconstructive
Fellows will gain experience in the non-operative and operative treatment of primarily adult spinal disorders. They will also have the opportunity to observe the surgical treatment of spine deformities in children and adolescents. The Department of Neurosurgery will be a close partner, allowing fellows to broaden their experience in evaluating and treating spinal disorders.
Fellows are encouraged to complete a clinical research project while in training. Time will be allotted each week for basic science research in a fully equipped and manned biomechanics laboratory. Weekly conferences related to spinal conditions are ongoing, and Fellows are encouraged to participate in resident education.
Priority will be given to applicants who commit to a career in academic orthopaedics.
Application Process
Accepting applications: 2025-2026 (Fall 2023)
Match participation: SF Match (Program #4375)
Application deadline: November 1
We accept applications through the Central Application Service (CAS), a service provided through SF Match that distributes applications to training programs. Using CAS ensures that applications are uniform, complete, and distributed in an orderly manner. You must register with the SF Match and pay an additional fee to access CAS. Please refer to SF Match for more information.
Application Requirements
Applicants must apply through the SF Match by completing an online fellowship application form, submitting the program application list, and providing the following documentation.
Submit the following documentation online through the Central Application Service (CAS); for details, refer to the CAS Applicant Instructions.
- Fellowship Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of Good Standing
- Three letters of recommendation:
- Letters must be on official letterhead and may not be older than six months
- USMLE/COMLEX (or equivalent) transcript - all three steps; passed within three attempts – NCMB requirement
- Copies of medical license(s)
Non-ACGME Additional Requirements
To be eligible for non-ACGME fellowship training:
- You must prove that you have taken and passed all three steps (within three attempts) of appropriate medical licensure examinations (USMLE/COMLEX/FLEX/NBME or Canadian examinations), which the North Carolina Medical Board requires. (This requirement can be waived if you’ve been certified/recertified by an approved specialty board within the past ten years; see medical licensure requirements.)
- You must qualify for a full medical license in the state of North Carolina
- You must obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number to be eligible for employment at Duke University Hospital
Foreign Medical Graduates: Additional Requirements
Foreign medical graduates are eligible for this ICGME (non-ACGME) fellowship; however, in addition to meeting the above requirements:
- Applicant must be a permanent U.S. resident (hold a green card).
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The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery will provide visa sponsorship for a J-1 Clinical House Staff Visa (ECFMG-sponsored), which is sufficient for clinical fellowship training for individuals participating in an ACGME-accredited fellowship.
The program does not currently sponsor H-1B visas.
- For more information, please visit Duke Visa Services.
Foreign medical graduates must hold a valid, current ECFMG certificate and meet the requirements above. Your ECFMG Certificate must be valid as of the program's start date. For foreign nationals who are medical graduates of LCME-accredited schools in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, copies of their diplomas will suffice instead of an ECFMG certificate.
Interview Selection Criteria
Fellow applicants are selected for an interview based on preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. In particular, we consider:
- Educational accomplishments
- Letters of Recommendation
- Experience
- Research
Important intangibles that are fundamental to the selection process include:
- Leadership
- Work ethic
- Communication skills
- Enthusiasm
Additional attributes that our committee considers:
- Determination
- Strength of character
- Overcoming obstacles
Fellow applicants are selected for appointment to our program based on their interview and review of the above-listed criteria.
Interview Dates
For interview date(s), please refer to "Fellowship Programs At-A-Glance" => Click Here.
Interviews are extended to applicants either late Fall or early Winter for interviews occurring in the preceding Winter months.
Contact Us
Cheryl DePaolis, Fellowship Program Coordinator
Wendy Thompson, C-TAGME, Senior Program Coordinator, Medical Student Sub-Internship and Residency Training