Physician Scientist Program
In order to address the small number of research trained orthopaedic surgeons, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery initiated a Physician Scientist program in 1998. This program is designed to provide two years of uninterrupted research experience that is then followed by the completion of a standard five year orthopaedic residency program. This research program is structured to train physician scientists to address the orthopaedic problems of the 21st century. The goals of this program are:
- To increase the number of academic orthopaedic surgeons with the requisite training to address basic and clinical research questions related to Orthopaedic Surgery
- To promote and foster collaborations between basic science disciplines and orthopaedic surgeons in order to address complex medical questions
- To translate research findings from the "bench to the bedside"
This program is supported by the commitment of a multidisciplinary group of scientists and physicians at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Members of this group have formulated a unique program to educate and mentor future orthopaedic surgeons in academic research. This model trains physician scientists to adapt new knowledge in the area of orthopaedic surgery in order to develop strategies for new treatments and preventive programs. Much of the "cutting edge" research in orthopaedic surgery is focused in the area of molecular medicine and the implementation of biologic interventions for addressing traditional orthopaedic problems of fracture management and cartilage injury and disease. In addition, outcomes-based orthopaedics is a major research initiative that is based on the study of objective, quantitative assessments of outcomes following specific orthopaedic interventions. Experience in both types of research is available to fellows who complete the Wake Forest physician scientist program. The ultimate goal of this program is to establish a nationally recognized center of excellence in the training of academic orthopaedic surgeons. At the end of the two research years, the physician scientists begin a traditional five year Orthopaedic Residency. The skills they acquire during their research block are invaluable in their residency and prepare them to make major contributions to the field of Orthopaedic Surgery through careers in Academic Medicine.