The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has an opening for a sports medicine research fellowship in an unfunded position to participate in a growing sports medicine research team representing collaborations between UNMC Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Radiology. The goals of our research team are to optimize biomechanical and functional outcomes in individuals with knee injuries, with a primary interest in the influence of these factors on the secondary development of osteoarthritis.Position Details and Goals: This one-year position is available starting Summer/Fall 2025. We invite unmatched, third or fourth year medical students to apply for the research fellowship position to strengthen their application for the Orthopedic Residency Match. The sports medicine research fellow will assist with ongoing and developing clinical research projects within the UNMC Clinical Movement Analysis Lab. Responsibilities will include assisting with project design, scientific literature search, data collection, data processing and analyzing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings at scientific conferences. Types of data include surgical, biomechanical, MRI, muscle strength, physical activity, and other wearables data. The goals of the program are to strengthen and individual’s knowledge and skills within orthopaedics and sports medicine and to enhance their CV to successfully match into residency, orthopaedic surgery or otherwise. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in clinical activities, regular didactics and interact with residents.Mentorship: The research fellow will work directly with an interdisciplinary mentorship team. Primary mentors will be Matthew Tao, MD, Associate Professor in UNMC’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation and Elizabeth Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Associate Professor in UNMC’s Physical Therapy Program and Director of the UNMC Clinical Movement Analysis Lab.Further details regarding our lab and ongoing projects can be found at the following links:https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/research/acl-team.html                            Qualifications: B.S. or M.D. with an interest in orthopaedic medicine or surgery and sports medicine. High levels of motivation and excellent organizational, team and communication skills are necessary.Desirable Additional Skills: Experience with patient care, motion capture technology, human biomechanics, and scientific writing is preferred.University: The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a major academic health science center in the Midwest. During the past year, UNMC brought in over $202 million in research funding. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation is a well-known program accounting for all subspecialties and housing a robust residency training program. The Physical Therapy Program in the College of Allied Health Professions is consistent a highly ranked program at the national level. The Clinical Movement Analysis Laboratory (CMOVA) is a center for innovative, clinical research in Nebraska. You will join a research team of enthusiastic clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving patient outcomes after musculoskeletal injuries and ensuring long-term active lifestyles and quality of life. Additional information can be found at https://www.unmc.edu/orthosurgery/ and https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/.
If interested, please send your resume/CV, a brief description of your background and interests in the position, and two references (with contact information) to Liz Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS at elizabeth.wellsandt@unmc.edu.
Elizabeth Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
University of Nebraska Medical Center
984420 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-4420
Phone: 402.559.4309
Email: elizabeth.wellsandt@unmc.edu
Desired start date is Summer/Fall 2025. Earliest start date is May 1, 2025.