Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellowship

The Research Fellowship Program in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery is a 1-year funded opportunity available to U.S. and international orthopaedic surgeons who have experience in orthopaedic basic science research, genetics or developmental biology.

The program helps fellows gain expertise in the research setting by providing 12 months of concentrated research experience, with a focus on both independent and team projects. Fellows may work independently on projects of special interest to them. They also work as part of the orthopaedic team, playing a major role in the division's research efforts. Interaction and collaboration with our diversified faculty (each with his/her own area of special interest and expertise) and collaborative work with other specialties in the Hospital create ample opportunities for professional growth.

Current areas of research emphasis within the division include:

Spinal deformity and spine biomechanics
Congenital vertebral malformations
Musculoskeletal tumor research

Educational goals

Defining expectations

At the beginning of your fellowship, basic requirements for research goals, internal conference attendance, publication and attendance at national conferences will be outlined. The division chief will discuss your personal interests and goals and will help you develop a plan for the coming year.

Meetings

In addition to engaging in research, you will be expected to participate in meetings and seminars throughout the year as part of the educational process:

Semi-annual visiting professor conferences;
Monthly basic science research journal clubs;
Monthly research meetings;
Quarterly tumor board meetings;
Weekly grand rounds at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania; and
Daily divisional lectures and presentations.

Clinical experience

The patient population within the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery is large and the problems of the children are diverse. Fellows will have the opportunity to observe many patients, to learn from CHOP attending physicians, and to access a large volume of data for research in this area. Observation for at least one day per week during our office hours is strongly encouraged.

Resources

To optimize productivity, orthopaedic surgery fellows have access to the following resources:

A mentor surgeon/investigator;
Two research coordinators;
Three libraries;
Personal computer;
Slide generation equipment for presentations;
Two research facilities; and
Additional opportunities for research under the guidance of the director of the orthopaedic laboratory.

The research coordinators help with IRB and HIPAA issues, search facilities, radiographic scanning, editorial skills, Power Point productions and a variety of other services to enhance the fellow's research productivity.

Evaluation

Fellows will receive feedback on progress on an ongoing basis. Feedback mechanisms include:

Weekly consultative progress meetings with the chief of the division;
Continuous informal interaction and feedback throughout the program; and
Reciprocal formal evaluation of the program and the fellow's accomplishments by the fellow and the attendings at the end of the 12 months.

Upon completion of the fellowship, each fellow is awarded a Hospital certificate verifying participation in and completion of the program.

Staff

Full-time teaching staff

John P. Dormans, MD, FACS
Chairman, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Co-director, Fellowship Program, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Tumors, scoliosis, disorders of the spine, general pediatric orthopaedic surgery

Denis S. Drummond, MD
Emeritus chairman, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Scoliosis and other disorders of the spine and hip, neuromuscular disorders

Richard S. Davidson, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Foot and ankle, hip, clubfeet, limb length discrepancy, angular deformity

John M. Flynn, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Scoliosis and other disorders of the spine, hip disorders, fractures, sports medicine, cerebral palsy

Theodore J. Ganley, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Sports medicine of knee, elbow, ankle and shoulder; fractures; trauma

B. David Horn, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Disorders of the hips and spine, congenital disorders including clubfoot, DDH, cerebral palsy, general pediatric orthopaedics, fractures, trauma

Lawrence Wells, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Sports medicine; arthroscopy; athletic injuries in shoulders, elbows and knees; pediatric fractures and trauma

Robert B. Carrigan, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Pediatric hand and upper extremity

David A. Spiegel, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Scoliosis and other disorders of the spine and hip, neuromuscular disorders

Part-time teaching staff

Malcolm L. Ecker, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Scoliosis, disorders of the pediatric spine, general pediatrics orthopaedics, fractures

Bong S. Lee, MD
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Area of expertise: Congenital and acquired disorders of the pediatric hand, pediatric hand fracture

Contact us

For more information, please contact Catherine O'Shea.

How to apply

Learn how to apply for this program.

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