Dr. Vani Sabesan Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellowship
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
2026–2027 Application Cycle
Position Title: Clinical Research Fellow
Positions Available: 2 (1 Paid, 1 Volunteer)
Duration: 1 Year
Start Date: Summer 2026
Eligibility: U.S. medical students (IMGs welcome to apply;
no visa sponsorship available)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled (Final deadline: April 1, 2026)
About the Fellowship
We are seeking two highly motivated third- or fourth-year medical students for a one-year Clinical Research Fellowship under the direct mentorship of Dr. Vani Sabesan, Associate Professor and Shoulder & Elbow specialist at the Orthopaedic Center of Palm Beach County.
Dr. Sabesan has mentored over 100 medical students pursuing orthopaedic surgery, has authored 80+ peer-reviewed publications, and is nationally recognized for her work in shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff disease, biomechanics, pain management, sports medicine, and innovation in orthopaedic education (More information at:
DrVaniSabesan.com).
This fellowship is designed for ambitious students seeking a competitive research year to strengthen their orthopaedic residency application while gaining extensive exposure to clinical research, innovation, and operative orthopaedics.
Primary Responsibilities
Research Fellows will be integrated into ongoing clinical and translational research activities, working closely with attendings, residents, research staff, and medical students. Responsibilities include:
Research & Academic Activities
- Design and execute prospective and retrospective clinical studies
- Contribute to book chapters, invited reviews, IRB submissions, protocols, and grant proposals
- Manage prospective randomized clinical trials
- Perform statistical analyses (SPSS, STATA, R preferred)
- Oversee data collection, database management, and study coordination
- Draft, revise, and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
Leadership & Teaching
- Supervise and mentor first-year medical students on summer research projects
- Lead and manage a team of rotating medical students interested in orthopaedic research
Clinical Exposure
- Participate in weekly team meetings, research conferences, journal clubs, and grand rounds
- Attend cadaver labs, skills workshops, and relevant departmental activities
- Observe orthopaedic surgeries and shadow Dr. Sabesan in clinic
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the fellowship, each Research Fellow can expect to achieve:
- 10–25 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or book chapters
- Podium/poster presentations at local, regional, national, or international meetings
- Strong letters of recommendation (performance-based)
- Competitive preparation for the orthopaedic surgery residency match
(Dr. Sabesan expects all fellows to match into orthopaedics and provides comprehensive mentorship during the match cycle.)
Benefits
- Extensive mentorship from a nationally recognized surgeon–scientist
- High-volume research productivity
- Hands-on involvement in shoulder and elbow clinical studies
- Opportunities to present at AAOS, ASES, ISTA, OSET and other national meetings
- Experience working in a highly collaborative research environment
- Significant enhancement of orthopaedic residency competitiveness
Prerequisites
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong desire to pursue orthopaedic surgery
- Ability to work independently, efficiently, and with excellent organization
- Strong academic record with demonstrated interest in research
- Professionalism and ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team
- Statistical experience or strong writing skills (preferred)
This is a full-time position. One position is funded; the second position begins as volunteer with potential for later funding opportunities.
Application Requirements
Email the following documents to
[email protected]:
Subject Line: Research Fellowship (2026–2027) – Last Name, First Name
Attach:
- CV (include USMLE Step 1/2 scores if available)
- Cover Letter outlining interest in the fellowship
- Headshot
- Possible start date(s)
Additional Notes
- No visa sponsorship is available
- Interviews will be conducted via video on a rolling basis.
For additional information, please contact Jocelyn Lubert, the current research fellow, at
[email protected].
