2026 University of Minnesota Orthopaedic Trauma Research Fellowship

The University of Minnesota Orthopaedic Trauma Research Fellowship will be available beginning in spring 2026. This is a two-year, funded, benefits-eligible position for medical school graduates, working under the mentorship of Peter A. Cole, MD in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, within the broader NorthStar Trauma Network. The fellowship is a full-time, in-person, on-site role.  

This position centers on orthopaedic trauma research with a focus on complex shoulder girdle and chest wall pathology, alongside additional subspecialty topics. Our research program emphasizes advanced medical technologies, including 3D printing, computational tools, and patient-reported outcomes. The fellow will be responsible for initiating, conducting, and publishing multiple concurrent research projects, and will serve as a key member of our research team.

Our program has successfully matched 13 of 14 prior fellows into orthopaedic residency programs. Published outcomes from the fellowship can be viewed here. This position is designed for applicants pursuing a future in orthopaedic surgery and offers several unique clinical and educational opportunities, including:

• Two half-days per week in clinic with direct patient interaction
• Shadowing in the operating room and during on-call shifts
• Opportunities to capture intraoperative photographs and videos
• Participation in Fracture Conferences, Grand Rounds, and Journal Clubs, with integrated engagement alongside residents and faculty
• Support for conference travel to present research

Preferred—but not required—experience includes backgrounds in:

• 3D printing
• Engineering
• Computer-aided design
• Medical technology
• Media arts

To apply, please submit your CV, a letter of interest, and your contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 651-254-2992 for additional information.

Thank you for your interest,   

Peter A. Cole, M.D.