Clinical Research Scholar Program

The Clinical Research Scholar Program at WashU Medicine Orthopedics is a full-time, immersive research experience designed for students pursuing careers in academic medicine and orthopedic surgery. Scholars work closely with nationally recognized faculty on high-impact clinical research while gaining exposure to clinical care, mentorship, and professional development.

The program is ideal for highly motivated students seeking a rigorous, mentorship-driven research year within a leading academic orthopedic department. 

*All scholars for the 2026–2027 cycle have been selected.

Program Overview

• Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension for a second year)
• Format: In-person, full-time position
• Number of Positions: Approximately 9 scholars per cycle
• Start Date: Typically summer

Areas of Research Focus

Scholars are embedded within one or more orthopedic subspecialty divisions, including:

• Sports Medicine
• Adult Spine (2 positions)
• Pediatric Spine
• Pediatric Orthopedics (2 positions)
• Orthopedic Trauma
• Orthopedic Oncology (Tumor)

Who Should Apply

This program is open to individuals at various stages of training, including:

• Graduates of accredited colleges and universities taking a gap year.
• Medical students between their 1st and 4th years.
• Medical school graduates.
• Please note: VISA support is not available for this program.

Why Choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics? 

Scholars benefit from a highly developed research environment and a proven track record of success:

• Exceptional institutional and departmental research infrastructure, including IRB support, biostatistics collaboration, and database access.
• Opportunities to participate in prospective registries, multicenter studies, outcomes research, and large database analyses.
• Structured, hands-on mentorship with close faculty involvement in study design, execution, manuscript development, and career advising.
• A strong history of scholar productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, national podium and poster presentations, and successful matches into competitive orthopedic residency programs.

Goals and Benefits

During the program year, scholars will:

• Lead and complete longitudinal research projects with opportunities for national presentation and publication.
• Contribute to ongoing research studies with authorship opportunities.
• Gain exposure to clinical medicine through participation in outpatient orthopedic clinics.
• Build a national professional network within orthopedic surgery.
• Expand knowledge through departmental educational conferences and CME activities.
• Develop skills in clinical, qualitative, and outcomes research, including:
  • Study design and protocol development.
  • Database creation and management.
  • Participant recruitment and data collection.
  • Statistical analysis and interpretation.

Scholar Responsibilities

Under faculty mentorship, scholars will:

 

• Lead and collaborate on clinical research projects.
• Work closely with research coordinators, fellows, residents, medical students, biostatisticians, and faculty.
• Develop and maintain research databases.
• Attend monthly divisional research meetings.
• Participate in hypothesis development, study design, and data analysis.
• Prepare scientific abstracts, manuscripts, and grant materials.

Candidate Profile

Successful applicants are typically:

• Interested in a future career in orthopedic surgery or academic medicine.
• Self-directed, intellectually curious, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
• Strong collaborators who work well in team-based environments.
• Receptive to feedback and mentorship.

Prior experience is preferred but not required. Helpful backgrounds include:

• Data management tools (Excel, REDCap, SPSS, R).
• Manuscript preparation or academic writing.
• Clinical or outcomes research exposure.

Application

• Application Posting: December–January
• Click here for application link
• Decision Notifications: No later than April 1

Stipend

• Annual Stipend: $26,660
• No additional benefits are provided.

Questions?

For questions about the Clinical Research Scholar Program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact:

Amanda (Haas) Braun, MA
Manager, Division of Clinical Research Compliance and Education