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.

 *This research fellowship has a 20-year history of successfully preparing fellows to match into orthopaedic surgery residency programs.
*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 anne.debenedetti@rushortho.com and Marisa.Toschi@rushortho.com with the following:

1. A brief cover letter detailing your background and interest in the position. 
   
2. CV, including USMLE Step 1 (pass confirmation), Step 2 score (if available), and medical school transcripts. 
   
3. At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your medical school. 
   
4. 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!