Posting:
Executive Summary:
Application Deadline: December 1st, 2025 for priority consideration. A second deadline of January 12th, 2026 will be available for those who could not apply for priority consideration, but the position is not guaranteed to still be available on January 12th.
Eligibility: Rising MS4 (completed MS3, gap year between MS3 and MS4)
Position: Research Fellowship, Clinical
Where: Harvard/MGH Sports Medicine
Who: Dr. Scott Martin, Director, Joint Preservation Service, Director of MGH Sports Medicine Fellowship, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery – Harvard Medical School, Head Team Physician for the New England Patriots
Start: approximately mid-March/early-May 2026 (required)
Duration: 1 year
Compensation: Salary, including full benefits
Details:
We are inviting third-year medical students (MS3) to apply for a Clinical Research Fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a Harvard teaching hospital. The selected Research Fellow will be the 15th to go through this program, one of the longest-running research fellowships in the country.This is an extremely competitive fellowship that is awarded to one (1) rising fourth-year medical student who has demonstrated a keen interest in orthopaedics and is a competitive candidate for orthopaedic residency.This is a wonderful opportunity for a highly-motivated individual to supercharge their application for the orthopaedic residency match. This position is unique in that the medical student interacts with a nationally-recognized orthopaedic surgeon 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 surgery anatomy course, grand rounds, sports teaching conferences, seminars, professional meetings, and development training courses.
The Research Fellow works directly with Dr. Scott Martin on all matters and will lead the entire Research Group. The Research Fellow will have three primary responsibilities: writing publications, conducting prospective clinical trials in clinic, and reviewing and overseeing clinical research coordinator (CRC) projects and manuscripts.
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 Sports Medicine cases
Manage and Mentor: a research team including other medical students and post-baccalaureate CRCs
Developing research hypotheses and performing literature reviews
Composing research protocols, drafting, and submitting IRB proposals
Other IRB communications
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing clinical research dataApplicants are selected based on research experience and medical school performance, as well as enthusiasm and interest. The nature of the position makes excellent organizational and communication skills paramount.
Timeline:
The selected applicant typically begins after third-year rotations are completed and works for 12-13 months before returning to finish his or her fourth year of medical school.
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)
· Having access to a car (a must; the team travels between 3 locations)
· Excellent written and verbal communication (peer-reviewed scientific or otherwise submitted/published manuscripts)
· Proficiency: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
· Familiarity with statistical software is preferred, but not necessary
· Familiarity with REDCap software is a plus
· 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 complex data
Application Process:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Application Deadline: December 1st, 2025 for priority consideration. A second deadline of January 12th, 2026 will be available for those who could not apply for priority consideration, but the position is not guaranteed to still be available on January 12th.
Interested individuals should submit a short application consisting of:
1. 2x2 Headshot
2. Cover Letter:
a. Include the earliest start date after completion of third year of medical school
b. Confirm access to a vehicle for the entirety of the fellowship
c. Statement of past research experience and reason for interest in this particular fellowship
3. USMLE Step 1 Score Report
4. USMLE Step 2 Score Report or date (priority will be given to those who have completed Step 2 before beginning the fellowship)
5. CV (up to date)
6. 1 letter of recommendation is appreciated but not required
The application should be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Orthopaedic Research Fellowship—Applicant’s [First & Last] Name”
Not carefully following the above instructions may result in removal from consideration.
The first round of interview offers for individuals who apply by the December 1st priority deadline will sent by the end of December 2025.
Finally, all questions should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
