Clinical orthopaedic research program

The Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award promotes clinical research by giving extraordinary U.S. medical students the opportunity to investigate pertinent topics in clinical orthopaedic research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

This funded “year-out” scholar program is unique because it was specifically designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The successful candidate will dedicate a year to clinical research with CHOP orthopaedic surgeons before either the third or fourth year of medical school.

Given the competitive nature of the orthopaedic residency process, our research scholars will have a substantial edge over their peers.

Learning from the experts

CHOP is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in pediatric orthopaedic patient care, education, and basic and clinical research. In fact, CHOP physicians have pioneered many orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Our physicians are internationally renowned for their skill in treating spinal deformities; malignant and benign tumors; disorders of the hand, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and foot; sports and traumatic injuries; as well as a full spectrum of congenital disorders.

CHOP’s Division of Orthopaedics is consistently among the top ranked programs in the nation for pediatric orthopaedic care by U.S. News & World Report.

We have 23 board-certified attending physicians, each with different subspecialties in pediatric orthopaedics. Each of our physicians is hired by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania with their primary appointment in the Department of Pediatrics and a secondary appointment in Orthopaedics.

Prerequisites for scholarship application

• Applicants must be completing their third year of medical school in the United States. In rare circumstances, uniquely qualified students finishing their second year of medical school in the U.S. may be considered.  
• USMLE Step 2 score if available.
• The applicant must be in good academic standing and have an interest in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery.
• The successful applicant will be responsible, motivated, intellectually curious and independent.

Award stipend and benefits

The recipient of this award will receive a $45,000 stipend to cover living expenses for the year, as well as travel expenses to national meetings.

Details about the program

There are two components of the Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Fellowship — research and clinical exposure.

Research

Fellows are given several projects, prospective and retrospective, single center and multicenter, some of which were started prior to their arrival and some of which will begin during their year. The research is designed to answer questions and solve problems in the area of pediatric orthopedic trauma, sports medicine, and spinal disorders, as well as medical economic and medical social issues.

Students will meet with John M. Flynn, MD, Theodore J. Ganley, MD, and Wudbhav N. Sankar, MD, several times each week for supervision and mentorship.

Our division’s clinical research office is very strong and well established. Nine orthopedic research coordinators can help students:

• Design and complete IRBs
• Adhere to division and CHOP research policies
• Review clinical data
• Measure X-rays
• Complete manuscripts for publications

Completed projects by past Benjamin Fox fellows have been published in orthopaedic journals and presented at national conferences.

Clinical exposure 

Fellows are active participants in the outpatient clinical program in the Division of Orthopaedics. At weekly outpatient clinics, fellows are trained and mentored to participate in trauma and sports clinics. Weekly, the fellow will see patients alongside Dr. Flynn, Dr. Ganley or Dr. Sankar, developing mastery of pediatric physical exam of the shoulder, knee, fractures, spine and hip, image interpretation and decision making.

Additionally, fellows participate in surgeon-of-the-day clinics, specifically gaining experience in the evaluation of patients with urgent injuries. Typically, by the end of the year, the Benjamin Fox Fellow functions at a level above a senior resident. There is also an opportunity to observe surgical procedures in the operating room. 

Fellows are also strongly encouraged to participate in continuing education by attending:

• Didactic lectures
• Weekly case presentation conferences
• Orthopedic grand rounds at the University of Pennsylvania every Thursday morning
• Quarterly clinical research club attended by all faculty, students, residents and fellows

How to apply

• Download and complete the Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award application.
• Submit an essay explaining why you are interested in doing clinical research for a year in the Division of Orthopaedics at CHOP.
• Include your curriculum vitae.
• Include a PDF of your USMLE Step 2 score (if available).

We will request that final applicants provide the email addresses of two faculty references as well as a writing sample.

Submit via email

Postal mail:

Attn: Divya Talwar, PhD, MPH / Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Division of Orthopaedics
4th Floor HUB
35th and Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Deadline

We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until November 15, 2024. However, earlier applications are welcome and fellowship spots will be offered to the candidates on rolling basis.

More information

For more information, please download the Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award brochure or contact Divya Talwar, PhD, MPH.

Other requirements

To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to keep our patients, families and workforce safe and healthy and to support the health of our global community. In keeping with this, CHOP has mandated all workforce members (including trainees) on site at any CHOP location for any portion of their time be vaccinated for COVID-19. This mandate also applies to workforce members or trainees performing work for CHOP at non-CHOP locations. The CHOP COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in alignment with applicable local, state and federal mandates. CHOP also requires all workforce members and trainees who work in patient care buildings or who provide patient care to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Employees may request exemption consideration for CHOP vaccine requirements for valid religious and medical reasons. In addition, candidates other than those in positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, must attest to not using tobacco products.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. CHOP is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor seeking priority referrals for protected veterans.