Research Program

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. 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 dellavalle.research@rushortho.com. Requirements for submitting an application can be found here.