Research in the Hand Fellowship

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School a part of UTHealth Houston is dedicated to advancing patient care through clinical research, biomechanics, and epidemiology. By leveraging our resources, collaborations, and expertise, we continuously seek innovative solutions to improve orthopedic care.

Hand Fellowship Research Expectations:

  1. Develop and complete at least one research project during the fellowship.
  2. Present findings at conferences and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
  3. Design and execute studies under the supervision of faculty.
  4. Receive training in research methodology, including experimental design, hypothesis testing, and data analysis.
  5. Engage in research critique sessions for project feedback.

Research Infrastructure and Support

The department’s research efforts are supported by dedicated faculty, research staff, high patient volumes, and multiple research labs. Initially developed through the success of our Orthopedic Trauma Program, the research program has expanded under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Warner, Director of Departmental Research. This program now provides robust support for all clinical research initiatives within the department.

Research Funding and Fellow Involvement

Internal department funds are available for fellows to support research projects.

External funding includes industry-sponsored grants following university and federal guidelines.

Annual Research Meeting: At the start of each academic year, faculty and fellows will review ongoing projects, pending ideas, and new research opportunities.

Key research personnel include:

Clinical Research Manager – Oversees project execution

Statistician – Assists with data analysis

Database Manager – Maintains research databases

Regulatory Specialist – Ensures compliance with research regulations

Research Analysts & Assistants – Support study design, implementation, and publication

Research Laboratories and Facilities

The department hosts several state-of-the-art research labs, including:

Bone Health Lab – Led by Dr. Catherine Ambrose

BioMotion Lab – Led by Dr. Payam Zandiyeh

Center for Orthopedic Research, Innovation, and Training (CORIT Lab) – Led by Dr. Rodriguez-Quintana, this interdisciplinary center focuses on developing solutions to orthopedic challenges. Capabilities include:

– Custom mechanical simulators

– 3D motion capture and analysis

– Biomechanical testing

– Computer-assisted surgical training

– Access to animal and cadaveric models

Collaborations and Additional Resources

Rice University Jesse H. Jones School of Business: Collaborating on cost and quality studies

UTHealth School of Public Health: Partnering on research in health disparities and healthcare access

Human Structure Facility: Provides access to anatomical specimens for research and teaching

Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care (CLAMC): Supports $20 million+ in biomedical research funding annually, offering state-of-the-art facilities, including:

-Four vivaria across 70,000+ square feet

-Experimental surgery suite

-Veterinary and surgical care for animal studies