Supported by a $916,000 grant from the St. Luke's Foundation, University Hospitals has launched an innovative program designed to strengthen and expand the participation of underrepresented minority medical students in the profession of orthopaedic surgery. Named in honor of the first African-American orthopaedic surgeon in the state of Ohio, the Timothy L. Stephens Jr., MD, Orthopaedic Fellowship will select one medical student each year to participate in intensive clinical and research opportunities under leading orthopaedic specialists at University Hospitals Case Medical Center.

Fellowship Overview

For an entire academic year, the fellow will be embedded in the educational, surgical, and research activity of Case Western Reserve University's Orthopaedic Residency Program. Under the supervision of distinguished orthopaedic faculty, he/she will participate with current orthopaedic residents in lectures, grand rounds, clinics, surgical procedures, and basic research. The fellow will also have the opportunity to attend and present at national and regional conferences, including the annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) conventions, and the J. Robert Gladden Society Luncheon, where the fellow will have the opportunity to network with other medical students attending the annual AAOS convention.

The Timothy L. Stephens Jr., MD, Orthopaedic Fellowship will provide:

• Exposure to the highly competitive orthopaedic residency program at Case Western Reserve University and the University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedics;
• Familiarity with orthopaedic basic science research, clinical studies, physical examination and orthopaedic surgical techniques;
• Opportunities to work with and learn from leading musculoskeletal research scientists and clinicians; and
• Fellowship stipend to underwrite living, and travel expenses.

Experiences gained during this fellowship will enable participants to be strong contenders for positions in orthopaedic residency programs nationwide upon graduation from medical school.

Eligibility

• The fellowship is open to medical students who have completed the first two years (basic science) of study, and have been fully accredited to enter the next year at an accredited medical school in the United States.
• Applicants should have a strong interest in orthopaedics.
• Applicants should be of African-American, Latino, or Native American descent.
• Applicants should have taken the USMLE Step 1 exam.

Timothy L. Stephens Jr., MD, Orthopaedic Fellowship Application Process

Purpose

University Hospitals, one of the leading orthopaedic teaching hospitals in the country, is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented minority medical students pursuing careers in orthopaedic medicine.

Currently, underrepresented minorities constitute less than two percent of orthopaedic residents and fellows enrolled in the nation's 152 orthopaedic residency programs. The Timothy L. Stephens Jr., MD, Orthopaedic Fellowship seeks to provide additional opportunities for underrepresented minority medical students interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic medicine.

University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedics

The Department of Orthopaedics at the UH Case Medical Center, is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the United States by the National Institute of Health. Under the direction of Randall E. Marcus, MD, the department is a leader in providing outstanding care to patients for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems.