2026–2027 Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinical Research Fellowship (University of Colorado School of Medicine)

Mentor: Dr. Rachel Frank
Position Title: Clinical Research Fellow
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 1–2 years
Start Date: Summer 2026
Location: Denver, Colorado
Compensation: Monthly stipend provided
Eligibility

• U.S. medical students between M2–M3 or M3–M4
  
• Strong interest in Orthopaedic Surgery
  
• U.S. applicants only will be considered
  

Program Overview

The Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Clinical Research Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers an immersive, high-productivity research experience under the mentorship of Rachel Frank, MD. The fellow will be deeply involved in clinical, translational, and biomechanical research within a high-volume academic sports medicine practice.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordination and management of multiple clinical and biomechanical research projects
  
• Cadaveric dissection and biomechanical testing
  
• Statistical analysis of research data
  
• Preparation and submission of IRB protocols
  
• Drafting, editing, and submission of:
  
[list]

• Abstracts and manuscripts
  
• Sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery book chapters and textbooks
  

[/list]
Fellowship Benefits & Opportunities

• Expectation of 10–20 publications, abstracts, or book chapters over the fellowship period
  
• Significant enhancement of orthopaedic surgery residency competitiveness
  
• Close collaboration with:
  
[list]

• Sports medicine fellows
  
• Orthopaedic surgery residents
  
• Sports medicine attending surgeons
  

[*]Opportunities to:

• Observe surgical procedures
  
• Attend Orthopaedic Grand Rounds, Sports Conferences, Journal Clubs, and Cadaver Labs
  
• Present research at regional, national, and international orthopaedic conferences
  

[/list]
Mentorship & Career Development

Dr. Frank is deeply invested in mentorship and expects the research fellow to be successful in their next step (matching into residency), with active guidance provided throughout:

• Research development
  
• Professional networking
  
• Residency application and the match process
  

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following to rachel.frank@cuanschutz.edu

• Brief cover letter
  
• Curriculum vitae (including USMLE scores, if available)
  
• Expected start date