POSITION IS NOW CLOSED AND FILLED Dear Medical Students, The Division of Pediatric Orthopedics at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego is excited to announce an opportunity for 3rd and 4th-year medical students to apply for the Rady Orthopedic Academic Research (ROAR) Scholarship. This is a one-year funded clinical research fellowship aimed at highly motivated students interested in pursuing a career in Orthopedic Surgery. This program provides comprehensive training in clinical research, direct clinical exposure, and one-on-one mentorship with senior orthopedic surgeons and faculty. Our mission is to advance musculoskeletal health through high-quality research that impacts pediatric orthopedic care. Areas of focus include:

• Clinical Research – Assessing innovative surgical and non-surgical techniques and applying them to improve patient care.
• Patient Reported Outcomes – Evaluating quality-of-life measures and caregiver burden related to pediatric orthopedic conditions.
• Biomechanics and Innovation – Investigating the mechanics of movement, implant design, and technological advancements to improve surgical techniques and develop cutting-edge orthopedic solutions.

Three Components to the Program:

• Research – Collaborate on designing datasets for medical chart reviews, adhering to RCHSD research policies, measuring radiographs, and preparing abstracts and manuscripts for publication. Students will contribute to several projects, including prospective and retrospective studies and single-center and multi-center initiatives.
• Clinical Exposure – Gain hands-on experience by shadowing and participating in a high-volume clinical practice. Students will have opportunities to observe surgical and non-surgical procedures, attend clinical hours, and engage with patients under the guidance of experienced providers.
• Mentorship – Receive dedicated guidance from academically active surgical faculty, clinical fellows, and international research fellows. Students will be supported in developing research ideas and projects from conception to completion, benefiting from a collaborative environment that fosters growth and learning.

The research fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. V. Salil Upasani, Dr. Eric W. Edmonds, and Dr. Peter O. Newton who lead a high-volume clinical and surgical practice, providing hands-on mentorship and exposure to pediatric orthopedic cases, including spinal deformities, limb reconstruction, and sports injuries. Our past fellows have presented research at state and national conferences. How to Apply:  Applicants should email the following documents to Dr. Upasani at pedsorthoedu@gmail.com with the subject titled “ROAR Application 2025-2026_First and Last Name”.

• Completed Application in link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ocyK3BL0IMTqHwqinsxPM1r0RBBcTJ5v?usp=sharing
• CV
• Medical school transcripts
• USMLE Step 1 results (PDF, if available)
• 1 letter of recommendation
• Writing sample (upon request for final candidates)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from Dec 15th – March 1st. Early applications are encouraged, as the position may be offered before the deadline. For more information, feel free to reach out to Dr. Upasani at the same email address. We look forward to your applications and are excited to engage with the next generation of orthopedic leaders. Sincerely, V. Salil Upasani, MD Eric W. Edmonds, MD Peter O. Newton, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Duration: 1 year Start and End Date: July 2025 – July 2026 Where: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA Stipend: $30,000