The University of Florida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine is committed to educating and training individuals to become independent practitioners capable of providing the highest quality orthopaedic care. This includes the development of professional competence and inculcation of the professional attitudes to be a successful orthopaedic practitioner. The residency program includes education in the basic sciences, the cognitive and technical skills necessary to practice orthopaedic surgery, and the development of clinical knowledge and maturity so that surgical judgment can be appropriately applied in the care of patients.

It is expected that individuals who complete this program will become competent in both the non-surgical management and surgical management including the preoperative, operative and postoperative care of patients in all the areas that constitute the principal components of orthopaedic surgery.

It is expected that individuals who enter and complete this program will maintain professional standards of the highest quality including: dedication to patient care, respect for patients and their families, the ability to make sound ethical and scientific judgments in the care of patients, scholarly thinking, dedication to life long self-directed learning, the ability to work well with others and to become part of a team, and intellectual and personal integrity.

The individuals in this program are expected to teach and share knowledge with colleagues, students and other health care providers. They are expected to develop skills and habits of self-learning and appraisal of their own abilities which will continue throughout their practice. The orthopaedist must also develop a respect for the cultural, religious, and individual preferences of the patient and their family as well as other health care providers. The orthopedist must be aware of the cost and societal implications of decisions and be able to adapt to the evolving health care system in this country.