Gap Year Program

The Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research invites second-year and third-year medical students to apply for a gap year clinical research training position. The one-year position starts in the summer of 2024.

The Orthopedic Surgery Medical Student Research Gap Year Program is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated students to strengthen their applications for the Orthopedic Surgery Match.

Students in the Gap Year Program train under consultant mentors in the Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research. Research focus areas may include sports medicine; hip and knee; shoulder and elbow; spine; oncology; pediatrics; trauma; hand; and foot and ankle.

Research opportunities include project design, scientific literature search, data collection and manuscript preparation, among others. Students also participate in a one-month clinical rotation in the Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research and attend weekly didactic sessions in various disciplines within orthopedic surgery to develop a strong foundation of knowledge.

The Gap Year Program includes a stipend of $20,000. In addition, students can apply for a competitive short-term appointment with the division's NIH T32 training grant, which offers additional funding.

The Gap Year Program runs from June 2024 to June 2025.

Application process

Applications for the Orthopedic Surgery Medical Student Research Gap Year Program are accepted from Nov. 1, 2023, to Dec. 15, 2023.

Applicants must:

  • Be second-year or third-year medical students at a U.S. medical school and interested in pursuing an orthopedic surgery residency.
  • Have successfully completed preclinical course requirements.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Have excellent organizational and communication skills.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this program.

Your application must include:

  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement.
  • Medical school transcript.

Apply here: Orthopedic Surgery Medical Student Research Gap Year Program.

Contact: Email us for questions about the program or application.