The Hand Surgery Fellowship program was founded by Daniel Mass, MD, in 1991, and under his leadership, it has grown into a highly competitive and prestigious hand program.
In 2011, the fellowship expanded to 2 trainees, and the sites expanded to include two 3-month experiences at North Shore University Hospital. This change has been very positively received by fellows, with a great increase in case variety, patient type, and surgical environment.
In 2016, I became the program director of the Hand Surgery Fellowship. I have spearheaded further change in the fellowship, with the goal of maintaining the excellence of the program so ably led by Dr. Mass. I have expanded the didactic program, added scheduled call for hand fellows, and with the help of Megan Conti Mica, MD, created a scheduled cadaveric/lab experience to teach fellows about various implant options. The didactics include a weekly discussion of classic articles in hand surgery, as well as a hand conference covering topics as varied as anesthesia for hand surgery, EMGs, chronic pain, ethics, and congenital hand surgery.
In addition, a combined hand service incorporating plastic and orthopaedic surgery attendings and residents is now a reality. The hand service works as a team and fellows and residents are exposed to both specialties’ approaches. Faculty currently hold joint appointments in both departments. With a combined faculty, the hand team at The University of Chicago is now composed of 5 faculty. The opening of the Level I Trauma Center has also provided many challenging cases and patients. From an educational standpoint, these positive changes have improved the breadth and depth of the hand surgery fellowship.
Jennifer Moriatis Wolf, MD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine
