Resident Life

Grow as a Doctor, and as a Family

We know it’s a big decision: When you’re looking for a residency program, you’re also looking for a place your family can call home. When you choose the Vanderbilt Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, you’re not only choosing a great place to work, but a wonderful city where your entire family can live, learn and play. 

Known as both the Music City and as the Friendliest Place in America, Nashville is a diverse, livable and vibrant city. As a resident, you can live comfortably, whether you’re single, married or raising a family. Childcare and entertainment — from live music to top-notch restaurants —are accessible and affordable. 

Our city offers a variety of housing options, too. Whether you enjoy downtown apartment living or prefer a house with a yard, Nashville has it all. 

Programs for You

With junior and senior residents working closely with one another and attending physicians, we foster a fun, close-knit atmosphere where you can develop strong relationships with teachers and colleagues alike. 

Many events are held each year to further stimulate camaraderie and mentorship among our faculty and our residents — from a chief residents' roast party, where we end the year by honoring the chiefs and recognizing faculty instrumental to our success, to our annual intern welcome party and holiday celebrations.

Programs for the Whole Family

Nashville provides a wide array of services and cultural offerings to meet the needs of every family member at every age and stage.

As a learning institution, we also know that resilient spouses and partners are integral to the success of our residents. That’s why we’ve created special programs just for them, including informal gatherings to introduce them to the city of Nashville and organized volunteer opportunities for resident families to serve together.