The University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Performance is recruiting an ambitious and motivated medical student to join the Division of Spine Surgery for a one-year clinical research fellowship beginning in the Summer of 2026. The fellowship will be under the guidance of Dr. Varun Puvanesarajah in collaboration with Dr. Ram Haddas and other members of the Division of Spine Surgery.
Where: University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
Who: US medical students between M2/M3 or M3/M4 interested in Orthopaedic Surgery. Only USA students will be considered at this time.
When: July 2026-June 2027 (dates are flexible)
Salary: A monthly stipend will be provided
Our division has ongoing and upcoming research projects both within the division and in collaboration with other departments and local and national institutions. The clinical research fellow will have the opportunity to interface one-on-one with attending surgeons, gain clinical exposure, and develop and complete several research projects, while learning more about orthopaedic surgery. This is a paid position.
Specific research projects will focus on:
1) Prospective and retrospective studies focusing on patient-reported outcomes
2) National database research using existing database resources
3) Project development and completion in the Motion Analysis Lab
4) Basic science collaborations with the Center for Musculoskeletal Research
We are specifically recruiting a highly motivated and self-driven medical student between his/her second and third or third and fourth years of medical school who is interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The prospective research fellow should have basic experience with statistical analysis and manuscript writing. The research fellow can expect to co-author at least 10 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Characteristics We Look For:
- Strong motivation for a career in orthopaedic surgery
- Strong academic record
- Strong work ethic
- Organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and a self-starter
- Strong interest in conducting research
- Desire to become proficient in data analysis and utilize statistical principles
Benefits:
- Expectation to publish at least 10+ publications/chapters/abstracts at the conclusion of the research year
- Bolstering of competitiveness for residency
- Collaboration with fellows, residents, and faculty
- Clinical observation opportunities
- Ample opportunities to attend Grand Rounds, indications conferences, journal clubs, and resident education sessions
- Opportunities to present research at national conferences
Interested candidates can send a cover letter, CV/resume, transcript, and USMLE Step I and/or II scores (if available) with the subject “Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Research Fellowship” to Dr. Varun Puvanesarajah at (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
