For medical students and undergraduate students who may be interested in a one year paid research fellowship in the Emory University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction:
2026-2027 Emory University Orthopaedics Medical Student Research Fellowship
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction
Posting:
Executive Summary:
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 for priority consideration. A second deadline of March 15th, 2026 will be available for those who could not apply for priority consideration, but the position is not guaranteed to still be available.
- Review: rolling basis, early application is favorable, 3 positions available
- Eligibility: Rising MS4 (gap year between MS3 and MS4) or Undergraduate graduate interested in applying to medical school
- Position: Research Fellowship, Clinical
- Where: Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute
- Who: This position will feature mentorship and exposure to the entire joints division faculty. Primary mentors will be Dr. Ajay Premkumar and Dr. Jacob Wilson.
- Start: approximately mid-April/early-June 2026 (specific date pending individual medical school curriculum/ gradutation schedule)
- Duration: approximately 1 year
- Compensation: Salary, including full benefits, we are unable to sponsor Visa’s
Details: We are inviting third-year medical students (MS3) to apply for a Clinical Research Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery & Joint Reconstruction with the Emory University Department of Orthopaeedics, Division of Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction. This is an extremely competitive fellowship that is awarded to one rising fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated a keen interest in orthopaedics and is a competitive candidate for orthopaedic residency. This position is also for strong students who have completed or will complete their undergraduate degree by May 2026 and are competitive for medical school. This is a wonderful opportunity for a highly-motivated individual to supercharge their application for the orthopaedic residency match and medical school applications. This position is unique in that the student interacts with nationally-recognized orthopaedic surgeons on a daily basis. Furthermore, this position is unique in that it is a clinical research fellowship, meaning that it provides the opportunity to be mentored in a clinical setting, to learn and hone clinical examination skills, to attend lectures and conferences with orthopaedic residents and faculty, and to observe and assist in surgery. The Research Fellowship has a huge project pipeline and will result in several published manuscripts, book chapters, technique videos, and conference posters/podium presentations at national and international conferences. The Research Fellow formal programming includes: orthopaedic resident/fellow surgery cadaver anatomy experiences, grand rounds, arthroplasty teaching conferences, seminars, professional meetings, and development training courses. The Research Fellow position will be a quintessential part of the Joints Division Research Group. The Research Fellow will have two primary responsibilities: writing publications and conducting prospective clinical trials in clinic.
Responsibilities and daily activities include:
- Writing and submitting publications, including managing revisions and edits requested by Reviewers
- Clinic: 2-3 times per week. This involves enrolling patients into prospective trials and following-up on active enrollees
- Surgery: assist, participate, observe, and learn in Arthroplasty cases
- Manage and Mentor: a research team including other medical students and Research Assistants
- Developing research hypotheses and performing literature reviews
- Composing research protocols, drafting, and submitting IRB proposals
- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing clinical research data
Applicants are selected based on research experience and medical school/undergraduate performance, as well as enthusiasm and interest. The nature of the position makes excellent organizational and communication skills paramount.
Timeline: The selected applicants typically begin after third-year rotations are completed and works for 12-13 months before returning to finish his or her fourth year of medical school. If undergrad student applying to medical school, from time of graduation to matriculating to medical school is a preferred work timeline.
Required/Preferred Skills:
- Organization, ability to multitask, persistence and motivation to implement the various components of a clinical study.
- Experience in clinical research (preferred, but not necessary)
- Excellent written and verbal communication (publications are a plus, but written samples of other course work are helpful)
- Proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Familiarity with statistical software is preferred, but not necessary
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Must be able to multitask
- Ability to work in a team environment and balance many competing priorities and projects
- Ability to gather and interpret moderately complex data
Application Process: Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 for priority consideration. A second deadline of March 15, 2026 will be available for those who could not apply for priority consideration, but the position is not guaranteed to still be available. Review: rolling basis, early application is favorable Interested individuals should submit a short application consisting of: 1. 2x2 Headshot
2. Cover Letter:
a. Include the earliest start date after completion of the third year of medical school b. Confirm access to a vehicle for the entirety of the fellowship (will have to drive to two different sites) 3. USMLE Step 1 Score Report (or Pass/Fail status)
4. USMLE Step 2 Score Report (if available) or MCAT score if undergraduate student (if available) 5. CV (up to date)The application should be emailed to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Ortho Research Fellowship—Applicant’s [First & Last] Name”
Not carefully following the above instructions may result in removal from consideration.
The first round of interviews will begin at the end of February 2026. Finally, all questions should be directed to
[email protected]/
[email protected] 
