Research Program

About Dr. Della Valle

Dr. Della Valle is a professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. He is not only a busy surgeon (having performed more than 11,000 hip and knee replacements) but a respected leader in the field of hip and knee research. He travels extensively sharing his research and these experiences allow him exposure to the most up to date information to maximize patient quality of care.

More about Dr. Della Valle Dr. Della Valle's CV Schedule an Appointment

About Anne DeBenedetti, MSc

Anne has worked with Dr. Della Valle since 2008. In 2018, she was promoted to managing all the research with Dr. Della Valle and Dr. Denis Nam, overseeing and assisting the research fellow. Today, she is the Director of Research for the entire Adult Reconstruction section, working alongside the Fellows, Residents, Research Fellows, and all surgeons in the Adult Reconstruction section of Orthopedics.

Dr. Craig Della Valle invites 3rd year medical students to apply for a Clinical Research Fellowship in Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center. This annual fellowship is in conjunction with Dr. Denis Nam and is awarded to a rising fourth-year medical student who has demonstrated a keen interest in orthopaedics and is a competitive future candidate for a residency in orthopaedic surgery.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a highly-motivated individual to gain invaluable experience while strengthening his or her application for residency. The research fellow works directly under Dr. Della Valle and Dr. Nam and guided by their Director of Research, Anne DeBenedetti MSc. He or she will function as a research coordinator for any new or ongoing projects. This involves functioning as a co-investigator on collaborative ventures with residents, fellows, and attendings here at Rush and at other sites involved in our multi-center studies. The Research Fellow also has the opportunity to develop and lead his or her own studies.

Responsibilities and daily activities include: performing literature reviews; developing research hypotheses; composing research protocols; drafting and submitting IRB proposals; interacting with and recruiting patients in clinic; collecting, organizing, and analyzing clinical research data; preparing and submitting results for academic publication and presentation. The position also provides the opportunity to be mentored in a clinical setting; to hone clinical exam skills; to observe and assist in surgeries; and to attend weekly lectures and conferences with Rush orthopaedic residents and faculty. This research position is distinct in that the Fellow interacts with a world-renowned joint replacement surgeon on a daily basis, allowing ample opportunity for education and mentorship.

The nature of the position makes excellent organizational and communicational skills paramount. Applicants are selected based not only on research experience and medical school performance but also on enthusiasm and interest. The chosen applicant typically begins the summer after third-year rotations are completed and works for one calendar year. The position is considered full-time employment and is salaried with health benefits.

Interested individuals should contact the research department at 312-432-2468 or Anne.DeBenedetti@rushortho.com MSc. Requirements for submitting an application can be found here.