Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP)

“This year I have been doing a lot of self-reflection and being more intentional to figure out what I want and need for the next steps of my career. The CSCDP is exactly what I needed. From the first talk, it was immediately clear how invaluable the insights and support from this incredible community of surgeon-scientists are, and that has compounded with each session. I feel re-energized and have a sharper focus on my true north and my path to personal and professional success in this career.” (2025)

“This program solidified my desire to pursue research and continue to evolve as a physician scientist. Listening to experts who have been successful and realizing it’s about the process, not the destination is my biggest take home.” (2025)

“This is a space of incredibly qualified people who genuinely want to share what has worked for them and what hasn’t, in order to mentor and sponsor the more junior clinician-scientists in attendance. The level of networking, both with people at levels far in advance of my current position, as well as with other resident clinician-scientists is unmatched. This conference felt less like a weekend, and more like the start of the rest of my career. I came in with whatever qualified me to be here but am leaving with a plan and a vision for where I want to go.” (2025)

“CSCDP has given me the tools and network I need to launch a career in academic orthopaedics, providing me with key insights into how to balance competing clinical and research demands, identify funding opportunities, and navigate the career trajectory of a clinician scientist.” (2025)

“After learning about CSCDP, I decided to apply for the 2024 event, like many others aspiring to become clinician-scientists. Unfortunately, my application was not accepted, and I initially felt discouraged from applying again. I was inspired to reapply for CSCDP 2025. To my delight, I was selected for this year’s program with generous sponsorship from the North American Spine Society (NASS). Being part of this incredible group of aspiring clinician-scientists was a wonderful learning experience. I encourage colleagues not to lose heart if their application is not accepted the first time. This is an exceptional program, and their persistence will pay off.” (2025)

“The CSCDP is an absolutely ‘must attend’ in my mind if you have any thought or aspiration of becoming a true orthopaedic clinician scientist.” (2025)

“This was truly an incredible experience, and it has ignited within me an even stronger desire and passion to continue pursuing and contributing to high-quality, impactful research in the field of orthopedics.” (2025)

“As an early-career academic surgeon, this program gave me valuable insight — helping me understand how to design and conduct quality research, approach funding opportunities strategically, and get meaningfully involved in academic initiatives. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to directly interact with pioneers in orthopedic research and learn firsthand from their successes and challenges.” (2025)

“I found the CSCDP to be immensely helpful in learning what goes into an academic career in orthopaedic surgery. The faculty provided a masterclass on grant writing, collaboration with basic scientists, obtaining balance between clinical and research endeavors, and most importantly, determining your specific area of focus and passion. I am deeply grateful to the AOFAS for sponsoring my attendance of the CSCDP and recommend the program highly to anyone considering a career as an orthopaedic surgeon-scientist.” (2024)

“Thank you to AAHS and ORS for the support to attend this fantastic conference! This was a life changing opportunity to hear from incredibly accomplished speakers who discuss all aspects of pursuing a clinician scientist career including career planning, tangible strategies to implement at multiple levels of training, efficiency, balancing of clinical vs academic work, navigation pathways through grant-supported research, leadership, and all of the interpersonal skills required to succeed along this path. There was a great balance of lectures, group discussions, and one-on-one discussion with faculty throughout. The networking, knowledge, and personal clarity I gained over the course were invaluable, this was by far the event with the highest return on investment for me. I look forward to paying it forward to the next generation when the time comes!” (2024)

“This program is a must for any orthopaedic surgery resident/fellow or early attending who is serious about research. Attending the CSCDP gave me a clear roadmap for my career development. The structured sessions on research funding and career planning helped me set tangible goals, both for the short and long term.” (2024)

“CSCDP substantially demystified what it means to be a surgeon-scientist and has given me clear guidance on how to navigate the steps needed to succeed in this path. Perhaps even more importantly, I was able to meet and learn from colleagues and mentors at various stages of the surgeon-scientist career trajectory and start building my community of academicians.” (2024)