Dr. Khaled Kebaish is inviting highly motivated medical students interested in gaining orthopaedic surgery research experience to apply for the John P. Kostuik, M.D. Spine Research Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital during the 2026–2027 academic year.
This one-year funded research position is intended for 3rd-year medical students seeking additional exposure to spine surgery research who aim to strengthen their academic portfolio. The research fellow will work closely with Dr. Kebaish and other faculty within the Spine Division, with a primary research focus on adult spinal deformity. Studies are both prospective and retrospective in design, leveraging both single-institution and multi-center databases, including project collaborations with the International Spine Study Group (ISSG).
Beyond academic productivity, the fellowship is designed to support applicants’ career development. Prior fellows have successfully matched into highly competitive orthopaedic residency programs, including
The Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program and the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program.
Scholarly Productivity
Previous fellows have produced multiple first-author manuscripts, with publications in journals including
JBJS, Spine, The Spine Journal, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Global Spine Journal, and Spine Deformity. Fellows also routinely present podium presentations at the annual meetings of prestigious conferences, such as the
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), North American Spine Society (NASS), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Research Environment and Collaboration
- Active participation in ISSG research efforts and the opportunity to collaborate with world renowned spine deformity surgeons across the United States and the world
- Close interactions with the entire Spine Division faculty, supporting both a broad and intentional mentorship model.
Responsibilities of the Research Fellow
- Assist with clinic duties (2 days/week), including enrolling patients into prospective trials and coordinating follow-up with active enrollees
- Drafting, submitting, and maintaining IRB proposals
- Managing the spine department’s database
- Preparation and submission of research abstracts and manuscripts
Ideal Applicant Characteristics
- Experience with data management and statistical analysis (preferred)
- Highly organized, motivated, and dependable
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines in a fast-paced academic environment
Application Review and Interviews
Applications will be assessed based on academic record, prior research experience, and interpersonal and organizational skills. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Application materials include:
- CV (include Step 1 and/or Step 2 if available)
Please email all application materials to:
[email protected]
Subject line: “John P. Kostuik Research Fellowship Application (Last Name, First Name)”
Key Dates
- Application deadline: February 15th, 11:59 PM EST
- Start date: mid- to late-May
