Commitment to Research
The orthopaedic residency program and the department have a strong commitment to basic biological, biomechanical and clinical orthopaedic research. In addition to clinician-scientists and faculty involved in translational research, there are six full-time research scientists on the faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Linda Sandell, molecular biologist with a primary interest in cartilage biology, holds the position of Director of Research. The basic biology program investigators include Dr. Yousef Abu-Amer, Dr. Roberta Faccio and Dr. Audrey MacAlinden.Dr. Matt Silva and Dr. Stavros (Steve) Thomopoulos are full-time investigators in the area of biomechanics.
Faculty-mentored. Dedicated time.
The department encourages high quality resident research projects. The resident research aspect of the educational program includes a four-week research rotation in the PGY-2 year and a two-month rotation in the PGY-3 year. The goal of the formalized research program is to have all residents complete a major research project prior to the end of their residency.
Members of the Resident Research Committee, including the Residency Program Director, Dr. Rick Wright, meet with all PGY-1 residents to review the goals of upcoming PGY-2 research rotations. At this meeting, PGY-1's are encouraged to reflect on project selection as well as the faculty member who will serve as mentor for their continuing efforts.
The PGY-2 rotation is designed to allow for development of a rigorous research question, literature review, research mentor recruitment and study design. Research efforts for each resident will be followed and monitored by a faculty research committee. These projects can be in the area of basic science, biomechanics or clinical research. The department encourages resident presentations at national conferences for work that is submitted by the resident and is accepted for presentation.
PGY-3 research time is dedicated solely to completing the project developed in the PGY-2 year. Data collection and analysis culminates in a project progress report to the Residency Research Committee.
During the PGY-4 year, residents may continue to refine data collection and analysis in order to complete manuscripts for review by the Resident Research Committee by year's end.
Residents present all final research findings at the Alumni Day Scientific Program in June of each year. The chief resident with the best overall project, as voted on by the Resident Research Committee and the Senior Faculty Members in the department, is selected as the winner of the Resident Research Award and is the recipient of a $1,000 cash award.