Global Research Initiative
The goal of IGOT’s Global Research Initiative is to enable orthopaedic surgeons from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) to conduct high-quality studies on how to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disease in resource-poor environments. To achieve this goal, IGOT hosts the annual “International Research Symposium,” provides guidance on study design and data management for partner institutions, and supports the year-long Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship for one 3rd/4th year medical student. Since 2006, IGOT has worked with 65 global leaders across 10 countries on 45 research projects and facilitated the travel of 50 IGOT ambassadors and scholars to and from our partner institutions.
Current Research Study Title | Country | Principal Investigator |
---|---|---|
IM Nail vs. External Fixator for Open Tibia Fracture Long-term Follow Up | Tanzania | Morshed |
A Pilot Masked, Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Locally-applied Gentamicin versus Saline in Open Tibia Fractures (pGO-Tibia) | Tanzania | Shearer |
Above-Knee Amputation Cost-Effective Analysis | Tanzania | Shearer, Morshed |
Below-Knee Amputation Cost-Effective Analysis | Tanzania | Shearer, Morshed |
K-Wire vs. Flexible Nail for Pediatric Femur Fractures | Tanzania | Morshed, Shearer |
Flaps Follow Up Registry | Tanzania | Terry, Shearer, Morshed |
Total Joint Replacement Registry | Tanzania | Shearer, Morshed |
Trauma Observership Study | North America | Sabharwal, Shearer, Morshed |
SIGN Database Study | Africa | Shearer |
Open Tibial Shaft Fracture Treatment Practices in Africa | Africa | Shearer |
Predictors of Quality of Life and Economic Impact after Open Tibia Fractures | Ghana | Shearer |
Surgical Outcomes of Children Treated for Gluteal Fibrosis in Uganda | Uganda | Sabatini |
Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes for Pediatric Patients with Post-Injection Paralysis | Uganda | Sabatini |
Injection Risk Analysis for Gluteal Fibrosis and Flaccid Paralysis | Uganda | Sabatini |
Outcomes of Vascularised Free Fibula Flaps | Uganda | Sabatini |
Validation of Outcome Instrument for Gluteal Fibrosis | Uganda | Sabatini |
TB Osteo in Children and Adolescents | Uganda | Sabatini |
Quality of Life and Outcomes after Open Tibia Fractures | Latin America | Miclau |
Research Priorities in Latin America Delphi Study | Latin America | Miclau |
Soft-Tissue Management and Wound Vacuum Survey | Latin America | Terry |
COACT: Motivations and Impact of Resident Rotations Qualitative Follow-Up | International | Sabharwal, Shearer |
Find out more about our current research studies here.

Pictured here: Dr. Trigg McClellan and Patrick Albright, 2018-2019 McClellan Research Fellow
The Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship
The Institute for Global Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Global Research Initiative offers the Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship. The 10-month to 1-year opportunity is for third and fourth-year medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery and global health. The specialist research position is designed to build upon fundamental skills and hands-on research experience critical to implementing orthopaedic research projects globally. This endowed fellowship was started by a generous gift from Dr. Trigg McClellan of the Orthopaedic Trauma Institute in honor of his daughters, Morgan and Madison McClellan. A stipend will be provided to the research fellow for living expenses including UCSF benefits.
Required Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or four years of equivalent research experience
- Second, third, or fourth year medical student
- Verification of authorization to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicants who have a strong interest in global health and orthopaedics
- Prior clinical research experience
- Completion of USMLE Step 1 is not mandatory but is preferred
Supporting Documents:
- Unofficial medical school transcript
- One letter of recommendation
- One-page personal statement
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Official USMLE Step 1 Score Report if applicable
(if you are unable to take your Step 1 prior to the deadline, please email igot.oti@ucsf.edu)
2023-2024 Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship application is now closed.

Pictured here: Megan Pendleton, PhD, a UCSF medical student, at her ACTUAR project site visit in the IMSS hospital in Mexico City
ACTUAR Summer Research Fellowship
The Asociación de Cirujanos Traumatólogos de las Americas (ACTUAR) is an international organization of orthopaedic trauma surgeons interested in building research capacity across institutions throughout Latin America. ACTUAR is housed within the Orthopaedic Trauma Institute (OTI) in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. The ACTUAR Summer Research Fellowship provides medical students at accredited US institutions the opportunity to participate in and collaborate on clinical research projects organized through the ACTUAR network, including travel to partner study sites in Latin America. The OTI faculty work with the students on obtaining summer stipend funding from their institution to cover living expenses abroad.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Medical students at an accredited US institution
- Experience with clinical research
- Proficient Spanish-speaking skills
- Previous work experience in a Latin American country
If you are interested, please contact actuar@ucsf.edu.

Pictured here: Claire Donnelley and Ericka Von Kaeppler, 2019-2020 IGOT Research Fellows
IGOT Research Fellows
Medical students between their third and fourth years take 10-months to 1-year off to join the IGOT team on various research projects. IGOT Research Fellows work on multiple projects during their term. IGOT has one internally funded research fellow every year through the Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship. See below for more information on the Morgan and Madison McClellan International Research Fellowship. Other IGOT Research Fellows are funded by external grants that students apply for through their home institution.
Meet the current and past externally funded IGOT Research Fellows here.
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