Selected candidates will have chosen orthopedics as their definitive career path and will be committed to applying for orthopedic residencies at the culmination of their research year. Ideal applicants will have successfully completed the first three years of medical school and will begin the research fellowship in June, between their third and fourth clinical years.

The University of Wisconsin Research Fellowship Program is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience in orthopedic research and clinical practice. The primary goals of the program are to:

• • Facilitate meaningful contributions to clinical, multicenter, translational, and basic science orthopedic research projects under the guidance and mentorship of UW Sports Medicine and Pediatric Orthopedic faculty, culminating in authorship on multiple submitted manuscripts.
  • Offer immersive exposure to orthopedic practice, including hands-on experience in both clinical settings and the operating room.
  • Engage fellows in rigorous educational activities through weekly didactic sessions and grand rounds, including specialized conferences focused on orthopedic sports medicine and pediatric orthopedics.
  • Foster enduring mentorship relationships that support professional growth and collaboration well beyond the duration of the fellowship.

Each research fellow will be expected to:

• • Manage and coordinate ongoing research projects, serving as a point person in weekly meetings with project updates and rate-limiting steps to push work forward.
  • Assist with study design, data collection, coordination of statistical analysis consultations, and contribute to writing and manuscript preparation.
  • Organize and oversee submissions to major national annual conferences
  • Participate in educational initiatives, including the preparation of technique manuscripts and instructional videos within Sports Medicine and Pediatric Orthopedics.
  • Develop educational publications at the direction of the orthopedic faculty.

• • Competitive Compensation package.
  • Funding to attend at least one national meeting to present research

The application window for the 2026–2027 Orthopedic Research Fellowships opens on December 15, 2025, and closes on January 16, 2026. When the application portal opens, please complete the online application form and indicate your research track preference: Sports Medicine or Pediatric Orthopedics.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application form

• Current CV

• One faculty letter of support

Important Dates:

• Application window: December 15, 2025 – January 16, 2026

• Virtual interviews (by invitation): January 26 – February 6, 2026

• Decision letters sent: February 9, 2026

A link to the online application will be added to this page on December 15, 2025.

Please send questions to:

Brittany Grasso
Clinical Research Manager
grasso@ortho.wisc.edu

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