Resident Curriculum

Several participants perform hands-on surgical training under the guidance of an instructor at the OR-X.

Train What Matters for Your Board Exam and Your Clinical Practice

Train What Matters for Your Board Exam and Your Clinical Practice.

The Resident Curriculum 2027 provides structured surgical training for orthopedic residents throughout the year. Across more than 20 practice-oriented courses, participants progressively develop fundamental operative skills and surgical techniques relevant to both everyday clinical practice and the orthopedic board exam.

Participants develop their skills progressively through drylab and wetlab training, moving from anatomical models to procedures on human specimens. In small groups, they can practice techniques repeatedly, work with modern surgical instruments and receive direct guidance from experienced faculty from Balgrist University Hospital.

SIGN UP FOR COURSES

COURSE PROGRAM 2027

Curriculum At a Glance

  • Year-Round Training: 20+ courses covering key orthopedic procedures
  • Stepwise Progression: From drylab models to wetlab training
  • Small-Group Practice: 4–5 residents per workstation
  • Board Exam Focus: Procedures aligned with SIWF/ISFM requirements

Why Join the Resident Curriculum

Why Join the Resident Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to support the gradual development of surgical skills throughout residency. Before each session, course-specific digital learning content from our education partner Augmedi helps participants prepare the relevant anatomy, surgical approaches and procedural steps. 

This preparation forms the basis for the practical training that follows. In the drylab, residents first develop and refine techniques on anatomical models before progressing to wetlab sessions on human specimens. Working in small groups creates time for repeated practice, direct feedback and discussion with faculty. 

By combining structured preparation with realistic hands-on training, the curriculum enables residents to consolidate essential procedures in a controlled environment and build experience that supports both clinical practice and board exam preparation.

Course Information

  • Registration & Participation Requirements

    Drylab and wetlab courses can generally be booked individually. Where applicable, completion of the corresponding drylab is required before attending a wetlab. This ensures that participants enter the wetlab with the necessary anatomical knowledge and understanding of the surgical approach.

    The ten access courses are offered exclusively as part of the Surgical Approaches Package and cannot be booked separately. They must be completed within the respective curriculum year.

    If you are unable to attend any courses, please inform the OR-X team as early as possible so that your seat can be offered to another participant.

  • Course Fees

    Course fees vary according to the course format and the participant's place of employment. With the support of the Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich, residents employed at Zurich training hospitals benefit from reduced rates.

    Dry Lab

    CHF 140 per course for residents at hospitals within the Canton of Zurich

    CHF 280 per course for residents at other Swiss hospitals

    Wet Lab

    CHF 390 per course for residents at hospitals within the Canton of Zurich

    CHF 780 per course for residents at other Swiss hospitals

    Surgical Approaches Package

    CHF 1,080 for residents at hospitals within the Canton of Zurich

    CHF 2,160 for residents at other Swiss hospitals

  • Course Language

    Courses are generally conducted in German. If participants from other language regions of Switzerland or from abroad are attending, the course can be conducted in English at any time.

  • Accreditation

    All drylab and wetlab courses are accredited by swiss orthopaedics and award 2 CME credits per course. Participants receive the corresponding certificate of attendance after completing the course and submitting the required course evaluation within two weeks after the course. 

    The Surgical Approaches Package awards 20 CME credits upon completion, provided that at least 80% of the sessions have been attended and the required course evaluation has been completed within the specified two-week period after the last course. 

Impressions