Research Timeline
The first two months of the program allow the physician scientists to discuss potential research projects with training program faculty members. Although the physician scientists may have their own research project in mind, they need guidance in selecting mentors and in defining research goals. Physician scientists attend weekly departmental research meetings, during which they learn about the ongoing research projects within the department. The physician scientists attend these weekly meetings throughout their training, and at each meeting, they report on their weekly activities. Using this mechanism, the physician scientist research findings are discussed in detail within the context of other ongoing and proposed research. In addition, this research meeting provides a setting in which the first year physician scientists learn from the second year physician scientists.
After identification of their research project(s), each physician scientist and his/her mentors develop an individualized research plan. The research experience is tailored for each physician scientist based on their background and research interests and research funding available. The program is designed to provide an intensive research experience with an emphasis on instruction in the scientific method, methods to enhance research productivity, course work, seminars, Orthopaedic conferences, and research presentations. Physician scientists are evaluated quarterly to assess the progress of their research projects and their participation in the educational component of the training program. The Program Directors ensure that the physician scientists present their research findings at national meetings such as the Orthopaedic Research Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Orthopaedic Research Society, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, the American Society for Sports Medicine, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Association for Hand Surgery, The Eastern Orthopaedic Association, and any other basic science meetings relevant to the trainee's research interest.
Please contact Thomas L. Smith, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at (336) 716-2093 if you have any questions regarding this program (Hyperlink).
Literature Cited
Clark JM, Hanel DP. The contribution of MD-PhD training to academic orthopaedic faculties. J Orthop Res 19:505-510, 2001.
Hurwitz SR, Buckwalter JA. The orthopaedic surgeon scientist: an endangered species? J Orthop Res 17:155-156, 1999.