The research fellowship program is led by Dr. Ashish Shah, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the UAB Clinical Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship. Research Fellows will have the opportunity to work with multiple faculty members and meet regularly with our Vice Chair of Research and Innovation, Dr. Hassan Ghomrawi. Participation in all educational opportunities within the department, including Grand Rounds, resident didactics, and journal clubs, is highly encouraged. 

Beyond allowing students to build their CV with publications and presentations, the primary goals of the program are: 

•    To provide students with broad exposure to orthopaedics

•    To build a solid knowledge foundation before residency

•    To provide opportunities to learn how to conduct clinical research

•    To build strategic relationships within the profession 

The current stipend is $25,000 divided over 12 months. Research fellowship positions are available in 6 subspecialty areas and led by the faculty members listed below:

Foot and Ankle Research

Ashish Shah, M.D.

Hand Research

Ronit Wollstein, M.D., MRCS

Pediatrics Research

Michael Conklin, M.D.

Shawn Gilbert, M.D.

Spine Research

Steven Theiss, M.D.

Sakthivel Rajan Rajaram Manoharan, M.D.

Sports Medicine Research*

Amit Momaya, M.D.

Trauma Research*

Clay Spitler, M.D. 

Joseph Johnson, M.D. 

* To apply to the Trauma and Sports Medicine Research Fellowships, please contact the primary faculty members.

Program Prerequisites:

  • Current medical student (MD/DO) or medical school graduate (including unmatched applicants)

    • US MD & DO applicants are preferred. 

  • Demonstrated interest in orthopaedic surgery

  • Ability to commit to full-time research (typically 12 months)

  • Professional, reliable, and able to work well independently and as part of a team

  • Strong organizational, communication, and data-management skills

  • Prior research experience or statistical training is appreciated but not required.

Additional details about the program can be found here: www.uab.edu/medicine/orthopaedics/research/researchers-program

To apply, use the following link and send a confirmation email to Dr. Shah (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eR2QmwFvqu56ThY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interview invitations extended beginning Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The application window will remain open until March 18, 2026, or until the position is filled. If you have any additional questions, please email Dr. Shah (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).