2025-2026 Utah Pediatric Research Fellowship Brittany Garcia, MD, Joel Turtle, MD, Joshua Speirs, MD, Laura Bellaire, MD, and Christopher Makarewich, MD invites
3rd and 4th year medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery to apply for a one-year pediatric research fellowship.
At this time, we are only considering students from United States accredited MD programs. This is a full-time, paid position with the University of Utah.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
The orthopaedic pediatric section at University of Utah is a nationally prominent program in pediatric research, productive in national presentations and peer-reviewed publications. All faculty are active in the initiation and pursuit of both single institution and multi-center research studies. The track record of completion and publication of research is well established. Research fellows should expect to participate in basic science projects, biomechanics, anatomical studies, cost analysis, database studies, retrospective reviews, multicenter trials, and prospective trials. In exchange for their efforts, fellows should expect to publish/submit 10-15 papers by the end of their experience. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend lectures, Grand Rounds, interact with residents/staff, and shadow in the clinic and OR. This includes all of the lectures attended by the residents as well as access to our Surgical Knowledge and Integration (SKI) lab.
Position: Research Associate (Full-time paid position)
Duration: ~ May 2025 - May 2026
Location: University of Utah Orthopaedic Center. Salt Lake City, UT.
Requirements:
- Trustworthy, responsible, detail-oriented, motivated MS3 or MS4 student from a United States accredited MD program
- Strong interest in orthopaedic research and a planned career in orthopaedic surgery and academic medicine.
- Prior research experience preferred. Statistical experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks in an efficient manner
- Assist research coordinators with patient screening and enrollment for prospective studies
Responsibilities:
- Manage multiple research projects (prospective, retrospective, anatomic, biomechanic, and basic science) and organize and maintain all aspects of the projects and follow them to completion (assist in data collection, write/submit manuscripts)
- Submit protocols to the IRB for research fellow driven projects with the help of the research coordinators
- Participate in research meetings
- Contact patients for Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs)
- Drafting manuscripts and abstracts
- Statistical/data analysis
Goals/Opportunities of the Fellowship:
- 10-15 publications
- Gain important experience in clinical and basic science orthopaedic research to help strengthen a potential academic career
- Be able to read and critically analyze medical literature
- Be comfortable with data collection, scientific writing, and submission of manuscripts
- Attend and present at national and international meetings
- Work with a variety of different surgeons within different pediatric orthopaedic specialties
Clinical Opportunities of the Fellowship:
- Participate in clinic and operating room working with orthopaedic pediatric attendings and Utah residents
- You will be expected to attend monthly research meetings and orthopaedic grand rounds to help improve your overall knowledge in the specialty
How To Apply: Interested applicants should complete the application at
Be sure to select the PEDIATRICS specialty. If you have any questions regarding the position or application process, please email research coordinator, Jayden Brennan (jayden.brennan@utah.edu).
