Pediatric Orthopedic and Deformity Research Fellowship at Children's Mercy

Overview

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Children’s Mercy Hospital is offering a one-year, funded research fellowship designed for medical students or unmatched medical graduates with an interest in orthopedic surgery. Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics of Kansas City is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in pediatric orthopedic patient care, education, and basic and clinical research. The hospital is the only pediatric Level I Trauma Center in the Kansas City area.

Our department includes specialists in general orthopedics, trauma, sports medicine, upper extremity, spine, hip, limb lengthening and deformity, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular care. Our research program hosts over 50 prospective and retrospective clinical studies. We collaborate with UMKC School of Medicine, UMKC Dental School, KU Medical School, KCUMB and KU Lawrence School of Engineering.

This program provides an opportunity to work directly with faculty and residents, gain exposure to pediatric orthopedics, receive mentorship for residency applications, and gain practical experience in clinical and basic science research to develop skills for a career as a clinician-scientist.

• Receive direct mentorship from orthopedic faculty
• Gain experience in formulation, execution, and presentation of research across multiple levels of evidence
• Present research at regional and national orthopedic conferences
• Network with residents, fellows, and attending surgeons
• Participate in departmental didactics, grand rounds, journal clubs, and guest lectureships
• Obtain experience that supports entering competitive orthopedic residency programs
• Learn to teach research methodology to medical students and residents
• Develop lifelong learning and curiosity
• Grow clinical knowledge through involvement in orthopedic care

Note:

influenza vaccine is a condition of employment; immunization records may be required for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and/or tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap). Exemptions can be discussed with Human Resources.

• Be organized and maintain clear, timely communication with faculty and residents
• Allocate 50% of time to spine research and 50% to general pediatric orthopedic research
• Actively participate in 10-15 projects and contribute to at least 5 manuscripts, abstracts, or posters/podiums
• Draft and submit IRB protocols for new projects
• Recruit and obtain informed consent for prospective research
• Manage data entry and analyze data using REDCap, Excel, SPSS, Graph Pad Prism
• Draft manuscripts for publication
• Work with Department Research Coordinators and attend monthly research/QI meetings
• Mentor medical students and assist residents in research efforts
• Serve on the Department Research Committee to review proposals and identify improvements

• Medical students (allopathic or osteopathic) who have completed their first year and are in good standing
• Unmatched 4th-year medical students or medical school graduates
• Willingness to relocate to Kansas City for a 12-month year (May 2026 – May 2027); start/end dates are flexible but should last at least 12 months
• Ability to meet all roles and requirements with reasonable accommodations
• Application materials: cover letter/letter of interest, STEP score (as available), medical school transcripts, CV, and 1-2 letters of recommendation

The successful applicant will be motivated, energetic, curious, and able to work well in a team. Interest in orthopedic surgery and the ability to work independently are preferred.

Deadline for submission of application materials is 12:00 CST / 15:00 EST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Virtual interviews will begin after 1:00 PM CST on March 18 and continue through the morning of March 19. A candidate will be selected by March 19; non-selected applicants may pursue other positions or SOAP. Applicants not selected will be notified by email the evening of March 19.

Send additional requirements to:
Julie Aust, Senior Talent Recruiter, jaaust

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