UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residents (from left to right) Wyatt David, M.D., Mike Flores, M.D., Sara Kiani, M.D., and Lacey Smith, M.D., recipients of the 2024 OREF Resident Research Grant. Each will conduct innovative research projects in musculoskeletal health throughout the academic year. (Photos: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
OREF Awards Research Grants to Orthopaedic Residents
Funding Will Support Innovative Research for Academic Year
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 12, 2024 — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to announce that four of its second-year residents — Wyatt David, M.D., Mike Flores, M.D., Sara Kiani, M.D., and Lacey Smith, M.D. — have each received a $5,000 Resident Research Grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) to support their individual research projects in the upcoming academic year.
- Wyatt David, M.D. – “Generating Crosswalks Between Common Hip-Specific Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures for Assessing Symptoms and Treatment in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.” (Research Mentor: Alan Zhang, M.D.)
- Mike Flores, M.D. – “Predictors of Quality of Life After Fracture-Related Infections in Latin America (FRILA): A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.” (Research Mentor: Theodore Miclau III, M.D.)
- Sara Kiani, M.D. – “The Impact of Erector Spinae Blocks on Pain After Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery.” (Research Mentor: Ishaan Swarup, M.D.)
- Lacey Smith, M.D. – “Quantifying the Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease in Tanzania.” (Research Mentor: David Shearer, M.D.)
“These research projects reflect the very essence of OREF’s mission to improve lives by supporting excellence in orthopaedic research,” said Dr. C. Benjamin Ma, chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Their work to address critical questions in musculoskeletal health not only improves function, reduces pain, and restores mobility but also directly supports our department’s mission of pioneering musculoskeletal discovery and innovative care to transform lives.”
“The department is extremely proud of these residents and the contributions they are making to the field of orthopaedics,” Dr. Ma added.
About OREF
Founded in 1955 by orthopedic surgeons, OREF provides research grants to residents nationwide who are dedicated to advancing studies on key orthopaedic issues, independent of commercial interests. The foundation aims to improve patient outcomes and clinical care by supporting innovative research, fostering new investigators, and promoting musculoskeletal health within the orthopaedic community.
About the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through pioneering research and transformative patient care. The department's mission includes a comprehensive approach to basic, clinical, and translational research, addressing a wide range of challenges in musculoskeletal health. Researchers explore issues such as osteoarthritis, hereditary disorders, and the socioeconomic determinants of health, including poverty, discrimination, malnutrition, and access to care. The department’s impactful scholarship is demonstrated through numerous published papers and substantial NIH funding, underscoring its potential for transformative contributions to musculoskeletal science.
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