Resident Research

University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residents are required to do a minimum of one research project during their five years. The process is as follows:

• During the second year, as residents are educated in Research Methodology, they look to their clinical experience to develop an area of interest.
   
• During the third year, a project is identified and a project advisor selected. The process is under the direction of a resident class supervisor. Once the project advisor and research approach are approved by the class supervisor, the research plan is presented to the full faculty during the Grand Rounds session dedicated to the future R3 research. A notebook with research opportunities from each faculty member is maintained in the Residency Director's office.
   
• During the fourth year, a half day per week is set aside for each resident to pursue data collection and analysis as they work with their supervisor.
   
• During the fifth year, the project is presented to the faculty and our visiting professor in its completed form. The residents are required to submit a completed manuscript one month prior to the presentation for review by the visiting professor. Dr. Ramon Gustillo offers a $1,000 prize to the best resident research project. The manuscript is expected to be submitted for Peer Review publication.

Presentations of resident research at peer review meetings is fully funded by the Department Resident Book and Education Fund.

In addition to the notebook with research opportunities, maintained in the Residency Director's office (available from Betsy Wehrwein), laboratories are available as a resource for individual residents. In all these facilities, expert oversight is available for research methodologies, project design, and analysis. Funds are available through the Resident Research and Education Foundation to purchase specimens, raw materials, and where necessary, research technologist's time.

Clinical Scientist Program

Starting in 2005, an NIH funded training grant will allow the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to provide a unique opportunity to residents that is available at few institutions in this country. The Clinical Scientist Program, under the direction of Dr. Denis Clohisy, will be a two year laboratory research experience available following the PGY 1 general surgery year and prior to beginning the PGY 2-5 orthopaedic surgery program.

Application to the program will be made to Drs. Denis Clohisy and Ann Van Heest during the PGY 1 year, and positions will be offered on an individual basis.

International Travel Fellowship

The Minnesota Medical Foundation International Travel Fellowship is offered annually to a physician completing the Orthopaedic Residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, or completing a formal post-residency fellowship after completing the University of Minnesota Orthopaedic Residency Program. The award will go to an individual of exemplary character who arranges a two to six week international trip to study specific areas of Orthopaedics, or for international orthopaedic volunteerism. The program of study and travel should have a humanitarian value or value for the individual's practice plans. Applications will be accepted during the senior (final) year of residency. The recipient of the Fellowship must complete the travel during the twelve-month period following the residency or fellowship training.