2024-2025 Hughston Orthopaedic Research Fellowship for Medical Students

Are you interested in spending a year conducting research, achieving publication, and securing connections in the orthopedic surgical community? We are inviting third and fourth-year medical students who are interested in clinical and basic science research to help coordinate multiple projects, and to assist in data collection, analysis, and writing. The fellowship offers medical students who are interested in orthopaedic surgery as a career, a yearlong (blend of (70%) research and (30%) clinical) comprehensive musculoskeletal experience.

The interview process has begun for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025.

Specifically, this is a flexible one-year opportunity focused on producing publishable manuscripts, spending time in the clinic and operating room, as well as learn how to conduct clinical research. The research fellows will spend time with multiple faculty and interact with residents and medical students. Attendance to all educational opportunities within the organization (Monthly Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality conferences, Journal Clubs and labs, weekly resident lectures, presentations, etc.) is highly encouraged. Additional goals include providing the students with broad exposure to orthopaedics prior to residency and building strategic relationships within the profession. The research fellows will have regular meetings with faculty and the Research Chair and can expect support and guidance toward achieving their career goals. Completion of the orthopaedic research fellowship guarantees a residency interview with the ACGME accredited Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Residency Program (https://al.hughston.com/jack-hughston-memorial-hospital/graduate-medical-education/).

We are anticipating up to 4 positions funded for 2024-25. The current stipend is $25,000 divided over 12 months. Interviews and acceptances will be offered on a rolling basis. Earlier application submission is strongly advised.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. CV (to include Step 1 score report and Step 2 score if available)

3. Unofficial medical school transcript

Almost seventy years ago, Jack C. Hughston, MD established the Hughston Clinic and Foundation to be the pioneering force of research and education in the field of Sports Medicine. His legacy in orthopaedics has continued since with training orthopaedic residents and fellows while remaining academically active.  What sets the Hughston Foundation’s research fellowship apart is that we take a personal approach to mentoring and tailoring the research year to the interests of the fellow and we remain active with advocating for fellows to match into an orthopaedic residency. Although research is the primary focus, fellows have the opportunity to incorporate themselves in all aspects of our program to learn from residents, fellows and attendings.

The Hughston Orthopaedic Research Fellowship is led by Brent A. Ponce, MD, the Chair of Research at the Hughston Foundation who joined the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia in 2021. He specializes in shoulder and sports medicine and has a long history of mentoring medical students seeking orthopaedic residency positions. In 2012, he started the research fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and has worked with over 25 research fellows. Collectively, research fellows under his leadership have published 331 manuscripts and matched to residency programs across the country including: UAB, Mayo Clinic, Emory, University of Missouri, Baylor, University of Utah, St. Louis University, University of Miami, Loma Linda, Tufts, Florida Atlantic University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Westchester Medical Center, and University of Texas San Antonio.

Please send submission materials to both: Chair of Research for Hughston Clinic, Brent Ponce, MD – email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Belinda Klein, Executive Director of the Hughston Foundation, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 706-494-3326

For more information please visit: https://hughston.com/hughston-foundation/education/fellowships/hughston-orthopaedic-research-fellowship-for-medical-students/