USBJI Supports Young Investigators

The Young Investigators Initiative, a grant mentoring and career development program that aims to increase musculoskeletal research by increasing the pipeline of clinician- and basic scientists, is one of the most successful programs of the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI). To date, more than 250 researchers have participated in the program, and 117 of them have obtained musculoskeletal research funding. Approximately one third of the participants are orthopaedists.

The program is open to promising junior faculty, senior fellows, or postdoctoral researchers who have been nominated by their department or division chairs. Senior fellows or residents who are doing research and have a faculty appointment in place or confirmed may also apply.

AAOS Council on Research and Quality Chair Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, was one of the first young investigators to be selected for the program. After attending his first workshop, Dr. Bozic wrote, “Although I have attended similar workshops in the past, the quality of the faculty, the lectures, and the interaction among the faculty and the participants was unsurpassed. I want to applaud the USBJI both for coming up with the idea and for working hard to make this program a reality. As a young investigator who aspires to become an independently funded health services researcher, I couldn’t ask for better training.”

After attending his second workshop, Dr. Bozic told the USBJI, “The benefits to my career have been real and tangible. As a direct result of my participation in this program, I was able to turn an unfunded research grant with a solid score into a funded Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation Career Development Award. I highly recommend the Young Investigators Program to aspiring clinician-scientists who are interested in pursuing a career in musculoskeletal research.”

For more information on the USBJI’s Young Investigator Initiative, visit usbji@usbji.org or stop by Booth #405A in Exhibit Hall A. A representative will be available daily through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next deadline for applications is July 15.

2013 Annual Meeting News
Tuesday through Friday, February 19 – 23, 2013.
http://www.aaos.org/news/acadnews/2013/AAOS18_3_21.asp