OREF Highlights 
The Genesis of an Idea
In the early 1950s, several visionary orthopaedic surgeons, at the urging of Alfred R. Shands Jr., M.D., determined that the specialty of orthopaedic medicine was changing so dramatically in scope and speed that it needed a new, more scientific basis to address its evolution. What had begun as a technical, almost mechanical discipline was rapidly becoming very complex and more sophisticated. Their discussion led to identification of these initial themes: Emergent Themes - The Scientific Approach
If orthopaedics was to grow into its rightful place in the medical community, the scientific approach must become the norm.
- The Value of Research
The basis for the evolving scientific approach was the need for high-quality basic and clinical research — research that would answer questions identified in their practices, and perhaps more importantly, raise questions that had not yet been formulated.
- Surgeon Researchers
They believed that the research most likely to have an impact on the specialty should be conducted primarily by orthopaedic surgeons who would also set the agenda.
- Surgeon and Industry Support
Finally, they realized that for this model to succeed, orthopaedists and the orthopaedic industry would have to make a firm commitment to support research grants. Funding these grants would also develop the young researchers whose later work might have a great impact on orthopaedics.
Evolving Themes
In the years that followed, two additional themes evolved, helping to shape the organization:
- Support Research and Researchers
One theme is that a principal goal of OREF should be to support both the research and the researchers who will make a difference in the future. There are many examples in our history of how young researchers whose initial OREF grants did not immediately yield improvements in clinical practice — or develop a new technique or product — went on to make significant contributions to orthopaedic knowledge. The initial research experiences enabled by OREF produced many dedicated, productive researchers whose resultant research outcomes did, in fact, lead to direct improvements in patient care. We need to remind ourselves of this reality because when we invest in OREF, we are investing in the future of our specialty, not necessarily a specific research project.
- Basic Science vs. Clinical Impact
Throughout OREF's history there has been discussion about the value of basic science versus clinical research. The dialogue sometimes seems to presume that research is an either/or proposition. However, to many, a more expansive view is in order.
In a special conference sponsored by OREF in 1981, the Trustees invited officers of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), the orthopaedic industry, and others to discuss the role of OREF within the orthopaedic world. In addressing this issue at that meeting, Reginald R. Cooper, M.D., speaking on behalf of the Association of Orthopaedic Chairmen, said: "I think there has been a tremendous misunderstanding, and I think to continue to use basic science and clinical science as two separate and distinct things is a mistake. We must start getting the message across that the scientific method can be used in clinical as well as laboratory research. There should be no difference. It is hard to define what is basic and what is applied. What is basic today is going to be applied tomorrow, hopefully. . . ." OREF — Growth Over 50 Years
No publication can do justice to the amount of energy, effort, and imagination invested by those leaders who formed OREF 50 years ago. Their initial efforts have yielded great benefits to the specialty. From the first Board survey identifying approximately 70 research projects and a total funding need of about $100,000, we have grown to the point that by the time of our 50th Anniversary, OREF has funded more than 2,000 grants totaling more than $57 million.
The list of those who have supported OREF through the years is very long, and rapidly growing. The roster of those researchers whose careers have been launched from OREF is significant. The number of orthopaedists who had an OREF award early in their careers, and who have continued on to leadership positions within orthopaedics, is noteworthy. We believe that all of those visionaries who were involved in the creation of OREF in the early 1950s would be proud of their organization today, and we hope that you are, too.
Discovering the Future of Orthopaedics
We are constantly seeking new ways to increase funding and to use that money wisely for the good of orthopaedics. The next step in our evolution is our 50th Anniversary Campaign, which is intended to help us permanently endow all of our major research awards. This will ensure that OREF will always be able to support promising young researchers for the good of the specialty.
The impact of orthopaedic care on our population is becoming increasingly apparent. A large, active, long-living generation of older citizens is leaning heavily on advancements in orthopaedics to improve the quality of their lives. The ways in which we can improve lives — young, old, male, female — are increasing in number and sophistication. There will always be a role for research and innovation, and therefore there will always be a reason to support the work of OREF.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, grants recipients, and most importantly the orthopaedic patients, we thank those who have supported OREF through the years, and we encourage those of you who have not to join us. We have laid a solid foundation for the benefit of research for orthopaedic patients, but with your help, and with continued effort and vision, we can do even greater things in the years ahead. In 1956, OREF received $98,752.40 in total contributions. Orthopaedic surgeons submitted 10 applications requesting more than $25,000 worth of funding. OREF was able to fund five Research Grants totaling $9,300. | More than 150 Institutions have received Research Grants.These projects included:Three Dimensional Anatomy of Haversian Systems in Bone, a study conducted by Jonathan Cohen, M.D. A Study of Distracting Forces Imposed Upon Normal Long Bones and Long Bones Subject to Physiological Decalcification, investigated by William N. Harsha, M.D. and Samuel Moore, M.D. Compression Studies of Bone in Tissue Culture researched by George G. Rose, M.D. and Thomas 0. Shindler, M.D. Intramedullary Implant for the Attachment of an External Prostheses investigated by John 0. Esslinger, M.D. Attempt to Prevent the Host Response to Homogenous and Autogenous Bone Transplants by Treating these Transplants with Pepsin researched by Fred C. Reynolds, M.D. Since these first five awards were made, investigators have employed their OREF Research Grants to investigate many different areas, from the causes of knee injuries to treatments for lower back pain, among other orthopaedic problems. From the outset, OREF has tried to achieve a balance between basic science research and clinically oriented research that might produce more immediate benefits to the practicing surgeon. Supporting basic science research not only lays the foundation for further breakthroughs that may not have been originally envisioned, but it also provides a chance for dedicated young researchers to develop the skills they need to conduct other, more clinical research later in their careers. In this way, OREF supports the research — and the researchers — that will have an impact on orthopaedics in the years ahead. RETURN TO OREF HIGHLIGHTS |
