OREF Highlights

David L. Glaser, M.D. and James R. Slauterbeck, M.D. also received Clinician Scientist Awards in 2004. Dr. Glaser is conducting molecular biological studies to investigate the heritage of cells involved in bone and tendon formation, which could possibly lead to new tissue engineering programs to either stop formation of bone outside the natural skeleton, or augment formation of bone or augment tendon healing. Dr. Slauterbeck is researching the reasons behind why more women than men injure their ACLs in an effort to find new methods to maintain the ACL in its strongest possible condition to limit ACL injury.

Using the example of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Dr. Zachary B. and Mrs. Kathleen Friedenberg established the Clinician Scientist Award category in 2002. This top OREF award category provides salary support to investigators who conduct research while remaining in clinical practice. Because of the example set by Dr. and Mrs. Friedenberg, Dr. Dane A . and Mrs. Mary Louise Miller also established an endowment, and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery agreed to provide support on an annual basis. In 2004 OREF's Board of Trustees awarded the first Clinician Scientist Awards to three orthopaedists.

The award, $100,000 per year for three years, allows clinician scientists to spend 40% or more of their time in the laboratory.

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"My research on Smart Implants could possibly reduce further the risk of one of the most dreaded and complicated problems associated with joint replacement, namely periprosthetic infection. Prevention of periprosthetic infection could improve longevity of the artificial joints and avert the psychological and economic costs to the patients."

Javad Parvizi, M.D.
2004 Clinician Scientist Award Recipient