Orthopaedic Residency Program Graduates First Class Since Expansion



From left: Drs. Lee Wilson, Adam Handwerger, and Dennis Jorgensen are members of the first graduating class that has been a part of the newly expanded orthopaedic residency program at USA.

Drs. Dennis Jorgensen and Adam Handwerger, both orthopaedic residents in their final days at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, said their experiences at USA have prepared them well for their future in medicine. They will graduate from their residency training programs this month.

They are members of the first graduating class that has been a part of the newly expanded orthopaedic residency program, a program that now includes three orthopaedic residents – expanded from two – at a time.

“I have met a lot of people and I’ve learned a lot throughout the past nine years here,” said Dr. Handwerger, who earned his medical degree at USA and chose to stay at the university for five years of residency training. “I wouldn’t change a thing, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of residents to work with.”

Dr. Jorgensen said the work Dr. Frederick Meyer, professor and chair of orthopaedics at USA, has done to expand the residency program is great for the institution as a whole.

“This expanded program provides a larger impact for USA,” Dr. Jorgensen said. “With the residency number increasing from two to three, there will be more people interested in medical education here.”

“We all recognize that USA has a strong orthopaedic program – now with a full complement of orthopaedic faculty,” he added. “The experience of the faculty is extensive, and they are seasoned vets when it comes to musculoskeletal injury and care.”

Following graduation, Dr. Jorgensen plans to enter private practice in Macon, Ga., while Dr. Handwerger will complete a one-year pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.