This position is open
Highly motivated 3rd-year medical students interested in Orthopaedic Surgery are invited to apply for a one-year research position in Adult Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Under the mentorship of world-renowned joint reconstruction surgeons Dr. Craig Della Valle and Dr. Denis Nam, participants will gain hands-on research experience while working closely with attendings, fellows, and residents—an exceptional opportunity to strengthen a residency application.
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This research fellowship has a 20-year history of successfully preparing fellows to match into orthopaedic surgery residency programs.
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Past fellows have matched orthopaedics at leading institutions including Mayo Clinic, Rush, USF, Cleveland Clinic, UW Harborview, UIC, and UCSF.
Position Title: Clinical Research Assistant (Orthopaedic Surgery – Adult Reconstruction)
Duration: 1 Year
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Start Date: June 2026
Salary: $35,000 *no insurance provided
Why Choose This Research Year?
- High-Impact Research: Contribute to multiple manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations.
- Close Mentorship: Work one-on-one with attendings who are dedicated to your success and will actively support your residency match.
- Surgical Exposure: Scrub into surgeries, master Orthopaedic physical exam techniques, and engage in patient care.
- National Conference Presentations: Gain experience presenting your research at leading Orthopaedic meetings.
- Networking & Career Development: Collaborate with faculty, fellows, and residents at one of the top Orthopaedic programs in the country.
- Living in Chicago: Enjoy a vibrant city with world-class dining, culture, and entertainment while advancing your career.
Who Should Apply? We are looking for
highly motivated students who:
- Have successfully completed their 3rd year of medical school by June 2025.
- Have a strong interest in Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Have completed USMLE Step 2 before the start date.
- Are U.S. citizens enrolled in a U.S. medical school.
- Can commit to living in Chicago for one year.
Research Responsibilities
- Coordinate research projects led by the principal investigators.
- Consent and follow up with patients for ongoing studies.
- Manage data entry, IRB submissions, and research documentation.
- Draft, edit, and submit manuscripts and abstracts for publication.
- Prepare presentations and posters for national conferences.
- Engage with attendings, fellows, and residents in research and clinical settings.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their application to our research team at
[email protected] and
[email protected] with the following:
- A brief cover letter detailing your background and interest in the position.
- CV, including USMLE Step 1 (pass confirmation), Step 2 score (if available), and medical school transcripts.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your medical school.
- Projected start date (May-July 2026).
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2026 Applicants will be contacted promptly upon receipt of their application.
Join us at Rush and take the next step toward securing your future in Orthopaedic Surgery!
