Remarkable exploration
The University of Utah Department of Orthopaedics Summer Research Traineeship program awards 8-10 medical students each year who are highly motivated and interested in gaining mentor led clinical and research experience. Each student will be paired with a faculty mentor with whom they will regularly meet throughout their traineeship while working alongside experience orthopaedic surgeons and other mentors on a research project with time shadowing in the clinic and the operating room, along with the opportunity to prepare and present a poster featuring your research at a local and national meeting. This opportunity provides a remarkable exploration into the real world of orthopaedics.
Program
Position: Summer Research Traineeship
Location: University of Utah Orthopaedic Center/Shriner's Hospital
Hours: 40 hours per week
Duration: 8-10 consecutive weeks (May-Sept)
Compensation: Paid stipend included
Application Process Open: August 1 – February 1
Selection Process Complete: March 1
Application Process
Items needed to include in application
(Only complete applications will be reviewed)
- Statement of Interest
- Diversity Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Most recent transcript
- 1st letter of recommendation for your Medical School Good Standing status (This usually comes from the registrar.)
- 2nd letter of recommendation (This usually comes from a mentor, professor, dean of students, etc., and if need be, can be emailed directly to melissa.spendlove@hsc.utah.edu)
- CITI Human Subject Research Group 1 Biomedical Training Report completed within the last 3 years. This is required for research and can be completed, if needed, at: https://about.citiprogram.org/en/series/human-subjects-research-hsr/
- CITI Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training Report completed within the last 3 years. This is required for research and can be completed, if needed, at: https://about.citiprogram.org/en/series/human-subjects-research-hsr/
What our Trainees are Saying
My summer at UU Orthopaedics was very rewarding! I was able to expand my research skill sets and further refine my abilities in study design and conducting meta-analyses. I was very thankful for the opportunity to expand more unique expertise in biomechanic lab techniques and machining. Lastly, I was very pleased with the amount of faculty accessibility and PI engagement in my projects and my learning, I really felt that they were taking the time to invest in my education. All in all, I am very grateful to have had the chance to work with all of the staff and students at the University of Utah Department of Orthopaedics and look forward to any collaborations in the future!
My time interning at the UOC has been one of the best investments I could have made in my pre-clinical years. It has exposed me to people who have accelerated my knowledge of clinical medical, physician research, and the field of orthopedics. It has also introduced me to people who I believe will be tremendously helpful in getting me where I would like to be in my career as a medical student and aspiring surgeon. That being said, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! Your experience will be what you make of it. Don't be afraid to engage with the residents and physicians, you have nothing to lose! Don't wait around for someone to offer to open doors and opportunities for you, try to seek them out, but also remember not to be annoying ha! Tough balance! However, I think perhaps as long as you are serious about finishing the tasks they give you, you will be a benefit to the program, and it will definitely be a huge benefit to you!
The internship can be busy work at times (chart reviewing), but also included reading imaging, running stats, writing up manuscripts, etc. At least once a week I was given the opportunity to explore a orthopedic research lab and/or shadow in the OR. It was a great program to gain experience, build relationships, and learn relevant skills. It definitely was a program that you got out what you put in. I liked the flexible work schedule so I could work my 40-60 hours/week and then use the remainder of my time to explore SLC and Utah.
Applying to this program was one of the best decisions I could have made as a first-year medical student. It has offered me the invaluable opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals and truly feel welcomed into the University of Utah Orthopedics family. This experience has exposed me to a diverse range of orthopedic pathologies that I might not have encountered otherwise. I had the privilege of interacting with patients from across the West and witnessing the significant impact of University of Utah Orthopedics on their lives. Dr. Garcia's mentorship has been exceptionally beneficial, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge. I now feel well-prepared to pursue further clinical research and am confident that this mentorship will continue to support me throughout medical school. I am excited to see what the future holds!
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If you have been approved for summer housing:
- Will I have a roommate?
- Yes, depending on the volume of students. Housing is not co-ed.
- What will the apartments include?
- They come fully furnished (including kitchen utensils). You will be responsible for food, etc.
- Please email Melissa.spendlove@hsc.utah.edu for any additional information.
- Will I have a roommate?
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- When will I be paid? You will be paid twice during the entirety of your internship.
- What is the University's holiday schedule? You can find a schedule of University holidays here.
- What dress code is expected during my internship? Dress code is business casual while in the office or in clinic. Access to scrubs will be provided while in the OR or as needed.
Contact Us
Melissa Spendlove
Fax: 801-587-5411
Email: melissa.spendlove@hsc.utah.edu
University of Utah Orthopaedic Center
590 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108