The Clinical Research Assistants interact with an interdisciplinary team of professionals and surgeons to write and publish scientific papers and posters. They have presented their work to a variety of Sports Medicine conferences and have published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals including American Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and Arthroscopy. Research Assistants also independently obtain institutional review board protocol approval and are involved in consenting patients. Research Associates follow patients throughout their entire clinical course, collect data for clinical studies, and review patient charts.
Working Together to Push the Needle Forward
Collaboration: About the team
Clinical Research Assistants work together on many levels to gain professional team experience by leading the development of many patient education initiatives. Currently, the AHIRF house interns and fellows on a global scale and recently launched our Learning Center platform for current patients and their caregivers. This position offers the opportunity to be an author on a number of peer-reviewed journal publications. 100% of previous interns have published scientific articles which have helped launch their medical careers. In addition to research, you will have other responsibilities that are integral to the success of the practice. This full-time position will have a duration of 13 months, beginning in the summer of 2022, and includes a $10,000 stipend.
Immersion: About the role
Dr. Domb
runs a successful sports medicine practice in addition to an active research institute focusing on sports medicine and hip surgery. As a Clinical Research Assistant at the American Hip Institute Research Foundation, you will have the opportunity to be immersed in an outpatient clinical environment where you will be trained to scribe and serve as a medical assistant. In addition to clinical exposure, you will also play a pivotal role in research development, journal submission and creation, along with project management responsibility.
As a team member, you will have access to and take part in the management of an extensive surgical database where you will collaborate with both peers, fellows, and globally known surgeons to provide patients ongoing elite care as their health partners for life! Although this is a 13-month internship, the impact will last forever and so will your mentorships.
Clinical Research Assistants have the opportunity to shadow and provide assistance in surgeries as well as procedures through data analysis and research development. You’ll develop an understanding of the role of surgery in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, as well as how medical professionals from different specialties work together on patient care from diagnosis to treatment and ultimately to rehabilitation.
Qualifications
This is a full-time position with a required one-year commitment. Research Assistants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine and/or sports medicine. Applicants should have a robust scientific background and previous experience in a clinical environment is desired as well. Applicants must have completed the MCAT before their start date.
AHIRF is actively looking for hardworking graduates with experience in the field of deep learning, resilience, and passion for research. This is an outstanding opportunity to become a part of our team at American Hip Institute Research Foundation, where you can help develop the next advancement in medicine like our institution-specific machine learning–based prognostic model for predictive analytics in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy!
What is something you enjoyed about your experienced here?
"I enjoyed working as a medical assistant, scribe, research assistant. It was nice to have direct contact with them and observe how they treat patients.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
It has given me more insight into what it means to work in healthcare and how to be a team player.
Would you recommend this program to someone you know?
Yes
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Be flexible.
Jade Owens
Research Assistant: Journal and Blog Management
College: Creighton University
Why did you choose AHIRF?
My own personal experience with hip surgeries/injuries led me to pursue this opportunity with Dr. Domb. As a D1 athlete I did not have the chance to pursue full time clinical experience, and the opportunity to gain experience from my mentor/surgeon, conduct research in a field that was new and learn in clinic/surgery was unmatched.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI?
I have been a part of 50+ studies at AHI and have 40 publications currently. I enjoy research on athlete populations due to my own struggles as a basketball player who underwent hip arthroscopy.
My top experience has been the direct learning opportunities and mentorship from renowned surgeons. I spent my first 13 months in the OR as a surgery intern and learned so much about the field. In turn, it has helped me greatly in clinic as a medical assistant/scribe and has given me the ability to lead research projects.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
It has furthered my interest in orthopedics
What career path/ specialty are you pursuing?
Orthopedic Surgery
My next step is medical school
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Take advantage of resources/opportunities that are offered
Irving Delgado-Arellanes
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Where are you from?
Omaha, NE (Originally Mexico)
College: University of Notre Dame
Why did you choose AHIRF? *
I wanted to attain clinical experience before starting medical school while also continuing to expand my research skills. The American Hip Institute proved to be the perfect intersection of my needs and goals.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI? *
XGrab Arthroscopic Technique
5-year Bilateral vs. Unilateral scopes
5-Year Opioid Refill Outcomes
MAKOplasty Stability
What are a few things you think candidates need to be successful? *
Candidates would benefit from previous clinical experience as well as familiarity with standard bio-statistical methods. Willingness to learn and an open mind are the two most important keys to success, however.
My next step is starting Medical School in the Fall!
Sanjana Challa
Research Assistant: Database Management
College: William and Mary
Why did you choose AHIRF? *
The unique opportunity to pursue research while simultaneously gaining clinical experience.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI? *
Minimum 5-Year Outcomes of High-Level Athletes with Borderline Dysplasia Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy with a Sub-Analysis Against a Propensity-Matched Nondysplastic Control Group Systematic Review of Labral Biomechanics
My top experience was meeting my fellow interns. I think candidates need to be willing to learn and be great team players.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
I have learned a lot more than I thought I would
Next stop; medical school!
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Do not be intimidated!
Allison Kufta
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
College: Truman State University
What studies were you involved in prior to AHI?
I was involved in a developmental research project on cellulase production in various strains of fungi.
Why did you choose AHIRF?
I liked the fact that this role offered a comprehensive experience with both clinical exposure and research that other gap-year positions did not.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI?
I have worked on a book chapter, a 10-year sex-based differences outcome study, reimbursement in hip arthroscopy study, Mako (robotic-assisted total hip replacement) stability study, multi-center adolescent study with the Mayo Clinic, and a technique article.
What are a few things you think candidates need to be successful?
Be proactive and have a positive, hard-working attitude.
How has your time at AHI impacted your path?
I have gained a lot of real-world perspective and several wonderful mentors and colleagues.
And finally, what's your advice for the new interns?
Learn as much as you can.
Olivia Paraschos
Research Assistant: Social Media Management
College: UChicago
Why did you choose AHIRF?
I wanted an opportunity to transfer my past research experience to a more clinical environment.
Clinical Research Internship in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Dr. Domb runs a successful sports medicine practice in addition to an active research institute focusing on sports medicine and hip surgery. As a clinical research intern, you will be responsible for maintaining an extensive surgical database and assisting with the formulation and writing of research studies. In addition, you will have the opportunity to support important research-related tasks such as journal publication, conference submission and management, prospective study management, and database updating. This position offers the opportunity to be an author on several peer-reviewed journal publications, allowing participating interns to launch their future medical careers. In addition to research, you will also have responsibilities that are integral to the success of the clinical practice and will be able to work in a clinic multiple times a week. Thus, this position offers exposure to a successful clinical practice and the field of sports medicine through direct clinical experience and surgical shadowing opportunities. This full-time position can have a duration of 13 or 25 months, beginning in the summer of 2023, and includes a $10,000 stipend.
