MGH-Koç University Program

Welcome to the OrthoPhD Program, a unique collaboration between Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Koç University. Our program is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in Orthopedic research and clinical practice. The fusion of academic excellence with hands-on training and a rich research environment in our program will create that elusive opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders in Orthopedic research and clinical practice. Assuring our participants of state-of-the-art skills, global exposure, and a strong professional network.

Who We Are
We are a community of physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, engineers, scientists, educators, and mentors committed to providing an environment where innovation, collaboration, and mentorship flourish. Our mission is to equip aspiring orthopaedic researchers and clinicians with the expertise needed to advance the field of orthopaedics, distributing patient care experience worldwide.

What You Can Achieve Here
– Develop leadership, clinical, and research skills in a supportive and diverse setting.
– Engage in pioneering research at world-renowned institutions.
– Work alongside with experts across various orthopedic sub-specialties.

Cutting-Edge Research:
– Work side-by-side with leading orthopaedic surgeons and researchers.
– Access state-of-the-art labs and clinical facilities.
– Collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects that address challenges in Orthopaedics.

Mentorship and Networking:
– Receive personalized mentorship from esteemed faculty members.
– Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events with global orthopedic leaders.
– Build a professional network for future collaborations and career opportunities.

Clinical Exposure
– Participate in clinical rounds and surgical observations in a high-volume teaching hospital.
– Gain firsthand experience in patient care, preoperative planning, and postoperative management.

Professional Development
– Strengthen leadership, communication, and teaching skills through dedicated workshops.
– Learn best practices for grant writing, publishing research, and presenting at conferences.

• Application Process
  Prospective applicants are invited to submit their applications through the official program portal. The program seeks candidates with a strong passion for orthopaedic surgery and research, a commitment to excellence, and a vision to contribute to the future of the field. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. The application process includes:
  • Eligibility Criteria
    • Medical Students, Residents, or fellows in Orthopaedic surgery or related fields
    • Strong research background
    • Strong ability in scientific writing, statistics, research design, English language and literature review, medical data interpretation
  • Submission of Required Documents:
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • A personal statement detailing research interests, career goals, fields of interest (up to 3), and reasons for applying.
    • Two letters of recommendation from mentors or supervisors.
    • At least two first-authored peer-reviewed original articles published in the field of orthopaedic surgery
    • Applications are open to all countries and nationalities
    • Interview Process:
      Selected applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their qualifications, research experience, and alignment with the program’s objectives. The interview will be conducted by the faculty from both institutions.
    • Final Selection:
      Candidates’ profiles will be reviewed by the leadership board, including faculty from both institutions, and based on the number of available positions and the financial and logistic support status, the final selected candidates will be notified of their acceptance and provided with detailed information regarding program logistics and expectations.
• Application Periods: Applications are accepted biannually in March and November. Applications must be submitted through the OrthoPhD online application form below. In case you have any questions, feel free to contact us at mgh-koc-orthophd@massgeneralbrigham.org and/or leaslan@ku.edu.tr
• Funding: Candidates may be eligible for seed stipends from their home institutions. Stipend discussions with MGH and KOC mentors and administrative staff will depend on institutional policies, visa regulations, and external funding opportunities. Both MGH and KOC encourage candidates to apply for external grants and scholarships in order to support their research endeavors while participating in this program.
• Further information on Visa regulations: USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html ; Türkiye: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa

To be completed