2025 Resident Research Grant

The Resident Research Grant Program supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources for the purpose of advancing orthopaedic practice in Pennsylvania. Typical research can include, but is not limited to:

• Self-contained research projects
• Secondary analysis of existing data
• Pilot studies

Up to ten grants are available for small research projects that further orthopaedic clinical practice, improve orthopaedic patient outcomes, or advance public policy regarding clincial practice or patient outcomes.

• Each grant will be funded for $5,000.
• The online application will be accessible September 15 - November 30, 2025.
• Successful applicants will be notified by email in January, and the first distribution of funds will be received in February. 
• An abstract of the research and its findings are due August, 2026.

Grant Eligibility

Only applicants who meet all criteria will be eligible for consideration to receive a Resident Research Grant.

• Must be a member of the Pennsylvainia Orthopaedic Society (PAOrtho) at the time of application.
• Must be an MD or DO currently enrolled as PGY2 or PGY3 in an ACGME or AOA-approved Pennsylvania residency in orthopaedic surgery at the time of the grant award.
• Must have an orthopaedic surgeon advisor who is a current member in good standing at PAOrtho. Other members of the research team are encouraged to be members of PAOrtho but membership is not required. Note: If your selected advisor is not a current member of PAOrtho, they should apply for membership by November 1 to allow adequate processing and approval time. Membership for attending surgeons is not automatic.

Application Submission

Register and complete the online application. Your application may be saved as a draft and completed in multiple sessions.  It will only be considered when submitted as final.

Upload the following:

• Your one-page Biosketch (targeted summary of related accomplishments) including your education, research experience, previous publications, and other relevant information that qualifies you as the lead researcher.
• Proof of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval; or proof of IRB application.
• Support letter from orthopaedic surgeon advisor stating they are a current member in good standing of PAOrtho, and their willingness to serve as an advisor on your research team.
• Biosketch or Curriculum Vitae of orthopaedic surgeon advisor.

Be aware of the following:

• Applications will be received only during the specified timeframe.  No extensions.
• Grants must be completed within the specificied timeframe.  No extensions.
• Grant funds are to be used only for direct costs. Publication fees and travel expenses to present your findings at the PAOrtho Scientific Meeting are the only allowable indirect costs.

Application Review

A panel of orthopaedic surgeons will review applications. Selection will be based on several factors, including the following:

• Impact: The potential of the research to contribute to meaningful medical knowledge, improve patient outcomes, or influence clinical practice or public policy.
• Scientific Rigor: The methodological soundness of the research plan.
• Innovation: The originality and novelty of the research idea.
• Feasibility: The likelihood that the research can be completed within one year using available resources.

Grant Award Process

Grant recipients will receive 1/2 of the grant funding upon acceptance. The remaining 1/2 will be distributed upon successful completion of the research project.

Successful completion will be determined by:

• Resident presentation of findings at the annual PAOrtho Scientific Meeting.
• Submission of Research Abstract to PAOrtho at least two months prior to the PAOrtho Scientific Meeting.
• Proof of journal submission for publication.
• Authorization for PAOrtho and its Foundation to share and promote your research.

When presented and when published, citation of research funding will be required with the notation:
“This study was supported by the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society Foundation.”

Drafting Tips

Write with the Reviewers and Scoring in Mind
The review panel will be comprised of orthopaedic physicians and will focus on the following:

• Impact - The potential of the research to contribute to meaningful medical knowledge, improve patient outcomes, or influence clinical practice or public policy.
• Scientific Rigor - The methodological soundness of the research plan, including tools and techniques.
• Innovation - The originality and novelty of the research issue.
• Feasibility - The likelihood that the research can be successfully completed on time with the limited funds.

Be Clear, Concise, and Compelling

• Avoid unnecessary information or commentary that does not add fact or value to your proposal. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
• Identify the compelling reasons in the Narrative Background: What is the problem? Why does it matter? How will your findings help resolve this problem?

Complete the Application Process Before the Deadline

• Request required information from others as soon as you decide to apply. Provide deadlines and reminders. PAOrtho membership for attending surgeons is not immediate. If your advisor is not currently a member, ask them to apply for membership by November 1 to allow appropriate processing and approval time.
• Ask your orthopaedic surgeon advisor and others to proofread your Narrative before submission.
• Submit your proposal well before the deadline to avoid last-minute glitches that could cause you to miss the deadline. Extensions will not be granted.

Contact Us

For questions, contact: info@paorthofoundation.org

Allow 3 business days for responses to questions.