Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group Hosts Inaugural Research Symposium

The Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine hosted its inaugural research symposium via Zoom, highlighting 10 student research projects in various subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery. The virtual event was attended by nearly fifty participants including students and faculty, with legendary orthopaedic surgeon James Andrews, M.D., of the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Florida, serving as the keynote speaker.

Orthopaedics is one of the most competitive residencies in the U.S. to get into, with only 60% of graduates matching into the specialty this past year. OSIG was developed to help interested applicants stand out, supporting them by providing knowledge, shadowing opportunities, mentorship, and chances to share their research. The symposium was organized by rising third-year medical student Dylan Luxenburg, OSIG research coordinator and co-president for the 2022-23 academic year.

“One of the ways to be a competitive applicant is by doing research, a pillar OSIG stands by,” Luxenburg said. “The symposium did a great job showcasing the many great projects our students are involved with.”

Inaugural Standouts

More than 30 abstracts were submitted for the OSIG symposium, and only ten were chosen by the selection committee for presentation. Giselle Hernandez, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the orthopaedic surgery trauma division, served as moderator, with welcome remarks offered by Francis Hornicek, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Miller School’s Department of Orthopaedics, and Seth Dodds, M.D., professor and chief of hand and upper extremity surgery and associate program director for the department.

“This event gave medical students a forum to practice giving podium level presentations — a skill they can build on as they develop their careers, making it a valuable experience,” Dr. Hernandez said. “The level of projects presented were impressive, and I was proud to serve as the moderator for the event. I look forward to next year’s symposium.”

Dr. Dodds, who is also the director of orthopaedic student clerkships, concurred.

“Under the leadership of our new chair, Dr. Hornicek, the Department of Orthopaedics has undergone a substantial transformation of its research capacities and capabilities,” Dr. Dodds said. “This improved research initiative has led to significant progress in medical students’ research activity within the department. The student-led symposium was an outstanding demonstration of their research initiative and determination.”

Topics of the research presented included spinal surgery, sports medicine, musculoskeletal oncology, addiction medicine, orthopaedic trauma, and the use of technology, giving diverse insights into many components of the field. One of the event’s features was Dr. Andrews’ keynote address, which touched on innovation in medicine, leadership culture, and what it means to be a physician.

After the student presentations, the selection committee chose three abstract winners to conclude the event. First place went to Olivia Perez for the abstract “Role of Hippo-YAP/TAZ Pathway in Regulation of Chondrocyte Response to Compression”; second place was awarded to Jacob Milner for “The Impact of the Florida Law HB21 on Opioid Prescribing Patterns After Spine Surgery”; and third went to Luxenburg for his research on “Social Media and Internet Influence on Patients Selecting a Sports Medicine Physician.”

Looking ahead to next year’s installment, Luxenburg hopes to hold the event in person on the medical campus. Building on the success of this year’s symposium, OSIG plans to host Thomas Byrd, M.D., team physician for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, as the keynote speaker, and feature patient testimony from a former athlete who suffered an injury and recovered thanks to orthopaedic medicine.

“This first symposium exceeded all expectations, with great all-around participation from students, faculty, and speakers,” Luxenburg said. “Hearing all these amazing presentations shows how passionate students at the Miller School are for the field, with the hope of getting more of them into orthopaedic residency programs in the upcoming years.”

Tags: Dr. Francis Hornicek, Dr. Giselle Hernandez, Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Seth Dodds, Miller School of Medicine, orthopedic surgery, Orthpaedic Surgery Interest Group