The Spine Division within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota invites 2026 graduates (just completed undergraduate degree) and US and IMG medical students between their 3rd and 4th year of medical school interested in orthopedic surgery to apply for a one-year spine research gap-year fellowship. This fellowship focuses on adult degenerative and deformity research.
Specific areas of study include BMI/Bariatric & GLP-1/Impact on Surgical Outcomes, CBD and CBT impact on post-surgical pain management, biomechanical applications of spine implant designs on surgical outcomes, safety in adult deformity surgery, applications of artificial intelligence in surgical planning and radiographic measurements in spine surgery, metabolomic/genomic factors on pre-optimization and post-surgical outcomes, and various clinical and radiographic factors associated with surgeries for adult degenerative and deformity conditions.
Position: Spine Research Gap-Year Fellow (2 positions available)
Duration: 1 year
Start Date: Summer 2026
Compensation: Salary + benefits eligible and conference registration/travel
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Spine Surgeon Collaborators: David Polly MD, Jonathan Sembrano MD, Christopher Martin MD, Nathan Hendrickson MD
Responsibilities:
- Manage multiple research projects, organize and maintain all aspects of the projects (e.g., Biomechanical, Cadaveric, Systematic Reviews, National Registries, and Clinical/Bench research)
- Work alongside spine research team to organize and present ongoing research updates at weekly meetings with a team of research faculty, fellows, residents, statisticians, and research coordinators
- Develop and submit research prospectus document to the Department CRC and Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Assist in preparation of PowerPoint presentations and e-Posters for professional conferences
- Opportunity to lead studies with other medical students and clinical fellows (University of Minnesota)
Requirements:
- US-based 2026 graduates (just completed undergraduate degree) or US-based/IMG between their 3rd and 4th year of medical school with a strong interest in orthopedic research and a planned career in orthopedic surgery and academic medicine
- Prior research experience preferred but not required
- Demonstrated interest in research and strong academic record
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks in an efficient manner
- Skills include ability to: communicate with team members, self-manage, work independently, and collaborate with clinic staff and multidisciplinary team members
Goals/Opportunities of the Fellowship:
- 10-15 publications, in addition to reviews, conference presentations, and book chapters
- Gain important experience in clinical and basic science orthopedic research to help strengthen a potential academic career
- Learn and apply basic data analyses under the guidance of a PhD data analyst
- Build confidence in data collection, scientific writing, and submission of manuscripts
- Attend and present at national and international meetings
- Participate in clinic and operating room observation with the spine surgeons and spine fellow
- Gain support in your orthopedic surgery match
How To Apply: Interested applicants should send the following items to
[email protected] & apply directly at
- Curriculum vitae
- A brief cover letter/personal statement detailing your background and interest in the position
- 3 references
- STEP 1 & 2 scores (where applicable)
- Institutional transcripts (unofficial)
- Provide proof of eligibility for J-1 Visa if IMG applicant (no H1B sponsorships available)
