Internship Program
Clinical Research Internship Program
Duration: 13 months
Start Date: Summer 2026
Stipend: $10,000
The American Hip Institute Research Foundation offers a full-time, 13-month Clinical Research Internship designed for recent undergraduates and medical students with strong academic backgrounds who are pursuing careers in medicine, particularly in orthopedics or sports medicine. This immersive experience combines clinical exposure, hands-on research involvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a high-volume orthopedic practice.
A Unique Opportunity to Learn and Lead
As a Clinical Research Assistant, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary team—including physicians, surgeons, research fellows, and other interns—to contribute to impactful research and patient care initiatives. You will:
- Write and publish scientific papers and posters
- Serve as co-author on manuscripts accepted to top peer-reviewed journals such as The American Journal of Sports Medicine, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and Arthroscopy
- Independently obtain IRB approvals and consent patients for clinical studies
- Collect and manage data, review patient charts, and follow patients through their entire clinical course
Teamwork That Drives Innovation
Interns actively contribute to patient education projects and support AHIRF's mission to improve care through knowledge sharing. You'll gain valuable experience in professional collaboration, project leadership, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Notably, 100% of past interns have published scientific articles, strengthening their credentials for medical school and future clinical training.
Immersive Clinical & Surgical Exposure
Interns are fully integrated into American Hip Institute's outpatient sports medicine practice, where they are trained in:
- Clinical documentation and medical scribing
- Basic medical assisting skills
- Observing and assisting in surgical procedures
- Contributing to surgical planning and postoperative follow-up through data and outcomes analysis
You'll also gain access to an extensive surgical database and collaborate with world-renowned surgeons and researchers, helping support elite care for patients from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree completed by start date
- MCAT completed before the program begins
- Strong academic background and a clear interest in a medical or orthopedic career
- Experience in clinical settings and/or research is preferred
- Passion for innovation—especially in areas like deep learning and predictive analytics—is highly valued
This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the forefront of orthopedic research and innovation.
Application
Applications now open.
To apply for the Clinical Research Internship, candidates must submit a complete application including: (1) a current CV and (2) a one-page personal statement outlining career goals and why they are interested in the program. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
All materials should be sent via email to [javascript protected email address].
Post-Internship Medical School Placements
Some of the medical schools that our interns have matriculated to include:
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
- Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California
- University of Chicago Medicine
- UC Irvine School of Medicine
- Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine
- McGovern Medical School
- Wayne State School of Medicine
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University of Chicago
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Intern Class
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Zach Uhlig
Research Assistant: Clinic Intern
Undergraduate: Georgia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, with a minor in Health and Medical Sciences
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Iben King
Research Assistant: Clinic Intern
Undergraduate: McKendree University, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
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John Nikas
Research Assistant: Clinic Intern
Undergraduate: Fordham University, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Economics
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Talha Syed
Research Assistant: Patient Education
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a double minor in Chemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
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Kavya Bomma
Research Assistant: Conference Management
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Crop Science-Biotechnology and Microbiology
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Wonjin Ko
Research Assistant: Database Management
Undergraduate: Brown University, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology
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Keya Patel
Research Assistant: Journal Submissions
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering
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Tyler Defort
Research Assistant: Prospective Studies
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Honors Integrative Biology, with a minor in Chemistry.
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Dean Sandler
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Undergraduate: Southern Methodist University, Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Spanish
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Will Moore
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology
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Absolon Reyes
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Bachelor of Science in Biology
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Krishi Rana
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Matriculating into Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a minor in Philosophy
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Meredith Cohen
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Undergraduate: Duke University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry
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Isabella Wallace
Research Assistant: Patient Education
Matriculating into Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a minor in Global Health
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Dharma Patel
Research Assistant: Database Management
Matriculating into McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis, Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience with a minor in Anthropology
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Elizabeth O'Brien
Research Assistant: Conference Management
Matriculating into Wayne State School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Astronomy with a concentration in Advanced Physics
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Elizabeth Walsh
Research Assistant: Prospective Studies
Matriculating into Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program (IBMG) at Indiana University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: California Polytechnic State University, Bachelor in Science in Microbiology
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Matthew Strok
Research Assistant: Journal Submissions
Matriculating into UC Irvine School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis, Bachelor of Arts in Biology on the neuroscience track
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Andrew Schab
Research Assistant: Database and Social Media Management
College: Saint Louis University
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Saiswarnesh Padmanabhan
Research Assistant: Prospective Studies
College: University of Illinois at Chicago
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Zayd Chisthi
Research Assistant: Database and Social Media Management
College: Northwestern University
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Michael Lee
Research Assistant: Conference Management
College: Washington University in St. Louis
What is something you enjoyed about your experienced here?
"I enjoyed working as a medical assistant, scribe, research assistant. It was nice to have direct contact with them and observe how they treat patients.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
It has given me more insight into what it means to work in healthcare and how to be a team player.
Would you recommend this program to someone you know?
Yes
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Be flexible.
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Jade Owens
Research Assistant: Journal and Blog Management
College: Creighton University
Why did you choose AHIRF?
My own personal experience with hip surgeries/injuries led me to pursue this opportunity with Dr. Domb. As a D1 athlete I did not have the chance to pursue full time clinical experience, and the opportunity to gain experience from my mentor/surgeon, conduct research in a field that was new and learn in clinic/surgery was unmatched.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI?
I have been a part of 50+ studies at AHI and have 40 publications currently. I enjoy research on athlete populations due to my own struggles as a basketball player who underwent hip arthroscopy.
My top experience has been the direct learning opportunities and mentorship from renowned surgeons. I spent my first 13 months in the OR as a surgery intern and learned so much about the field. In turn, it has helped me greatly in clinic as a medical assistant/scribe and has given me the ability to lead research projects.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
It has furthered my interest in orthopedics
What career path/ specialty are you pursuing?
Orthopedic Surgery
My next step is medical school
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Take advantage of resources/opportunities that are offered
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Irving Delgado-Arellanes
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
Where are you from?
Omaha, NE (Originally Mexico)
College: University of Notre Dame
Why did you choose AHIRF? *
I wanted to attain clinical experience before starting medical school while also continuing to expand my research skills. The American Hip Institute proved to be the perfect intersection of my needs and goals.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI? *
- XGrab Arthroscopic Technique
- 5-year Bilateral vs. Unilateral scopes
- 5-Year Opioid Refill Outcomes
- MAKOplasty Stability
What are a few things you think candidates need to be successful? *
Candidates would benefit from previous clinical experience as well as familiarity with standard bio-statistical methods. Willingness to learn and an open mind are the two most important keys to success, however.
My next step is starting Medical School in the Fall!
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Sanjana Challa
Research Assistant: Database Management
College: William and Mary
Why did you choose AHIRF? *
The unique opportunity to pursue research while simultaneously gaining clinical experience.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI? *
Minimum 5-Year Outcomes of High-Level Athletes with Borderline Dysplasia Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy with a Sub-Analysis Against a Propensity-Matched Nondysplastic Control Group Systematic Review of Labral Biomechanics
My top experience was meeting my fellow interns. I think candidates need to be willing to learn and be great team players.
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
I have learned a lot more than I thought I would
Next stop; medical school!
And finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Do not be intimidated!
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Allison Kufta
Research Assistant: Surgery Intern
College: Truman State University
What studies were you involved in prior to AHI?
I was involved in a developmental research project on cellulase production in various strains of fungi.
Why did you choose AHIRF?
I liked the fact that this role offered a comprehensive experience with both clinical exposure and research that other gap-year positions did not.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI?
I have worked on a book chapter, a 10-year sex-based differences outcome study, reimbursement in hip arthroscopy study, Mako (robotic-assisted total hip replacement) stability study, multi-center adolescent study with the Mayo Clinic, and a technique article.
What are a few things you think candidates need to be successful?
Be proactive and have a positive, hard-working attitude.
How has your time at AHI impacted your path?
I have gained a lot of real-world perspective and several wonderful mentors and colleagues.
And finally, what's your advice for the new interns?
Learn as much as you can.
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Olivia Paraschos
Research Assistant: Social Media Management
College: UChicago
Why did you choose AHIRF?
I wanted an opportunity to transfer my past research experience to a more clinical environment.
What studies have you been a part of at AHI?
Multicenter Borderline Dysplasia Study, Iliopsoas Release Technique and Outcomes, 10-year sex-based differences.
What opportunities have you experienced during your time here?
"My top experience was being able to learn how to navigate an EMR as well as the full patient experience from the perspective of a provider. "
What are a few things you think candidates need to be successful?
Time management, self-motivation, desire to learn
How has your time at AHI, impacted your path?
I have discovered an interest in clinical research.
Clinical Research Internship in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports MedicineAnd finally, what is your epic advice for the new interns?
Be prepared to work hard if you want to get the most out of the program.
