OREF Michael P. Kelly Sr. Leadership Fellowship Program 2027

Organization — strengthening the ability to manage responsibilities, priorities and research-related activities.

Vision — developing a clear direction for future professional and research contributions.

Communication — improving the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, research teams and the wider orthopaedic community.

Innovation — encouraging new approaches to research, professional development and problem-solving.

Research Career Development

A central feature of the fellowship is its connection to an orthopaedic research career. Applicants should be able to explain how research fits into their long-term professional plans and why leadership development would help them contribute more effectively to the field.

The fellowship may therefore be particularly useful for residents, fellows and recently practicing surgeons who expect to participate in clinical research, academic medicine, research programmes, professional organisations or other activities requiring collaboration and leadership.

Areas of Relevance

The fellowship is relevant to professionals working toward careers involving:

• Orthopaedic clinical research
• Clinical and translational research
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Academic medicine
• Research programme development
• Research team leadership
• Medical leadership
• Professional service
• Innovation in orthopaedic care and research
• Development of future orthopaedic clinician-scientists

What Selected Fellows Gain

The principal benefit is participation in a structured, one-year leadership development programme connected specifically to the orthopaedic research career pathway.

Participants can use the programme to:

• Develop practical leadership attributes.
• Strengthen communication and organisational abilities.
• Develop greater awareness of effective professional leadership.
• Connect leadership development with their research careers.
• Prepare for future responsibilities within the orthopaedic research community.
• Build capabilities that can complement clinical and scientific training.
• Develop a stronger foundation for future research and professional leadership roles.

The programme is not presented by OREF as a conventional university scholarship. Applicants should therefore focus on the professional and leadership-development component of the fellowship rather than treating it as tuition funding.

Selection Priorities

OREF states that the selection process for the Michael P. Kelly Sr. Leadership Fellowship prioritizes women and underrepresented minorities.

Applicants should nevertheless demonstrate the core characteristics sought by the programme, particularly a genuine interest in orthopaedic clinical research and the potential to develop into a leader within the orthopaedic community.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Before applying, eligible professionals should be prepared to clearly explain:

1. Their current stage of orthopaedic training or practice.

2. Their experience or developing interest in orthopaedic clinical research.

3. Their long-term research and professional goals.

4. Why leadership development is important to their career plans.

5. How they have demonstrated initiative, communication, teamwork, service or other leadership qualities.

6. How they expect to contribute to the orthopaedic research community in the future.

Applicants should make the connection between their research ambitions and leadership goals clear rather than submitting a generic statement about wanting to become a better leader.

Application Process

Applications are submitted electronically through OREF's designated application system.

Applicants should:

1. Review the current Michael P. Kelly Sr. Leadership Fellowship announcement.

2. Confirm that their career stage falls within the eligible categories.

3. Review the fellowship's research and leadership expectations.

4. Prepare the professional information and supporting materials requested in the application.

5. Explain their interest in orthopaedic clinical research and future leadership development.

6. Complete the application through the OREF system.

7. Review all information before submission.

8. Submit the application by 10 November 2026.

OREF's grant FAQ indicates that its applications are submitted electronically through proposalCENTRAL, so applicants should follow the current application link and instructions provided for this specific fellowship.

Key Dates

Programme Opens: 8 September 2026

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

Programme Length: One year

Important Information

• This is a specialised orthopaedic leadership fellowship, not a general medical scholarship.
• The programme is connected specifically to the orthopaedic resident's research career path.
• The current OREF funding page lists the programme as a 2027 fellowship with an application deadline of 10 November 2026.
• Eligible career stages identified by OREF include PGY3–PGY5 residents, orthopaedic fellows and orthopaedic surgeons with less than two years in practice.
• Applicants should have a career interest in orthopaedic clinical research.
• OREF prioritizes women and underrepresented minorities in the selection process.
• The programme lasts one year.
• OREF's current public funding page does not state a specific monetary award for this fellowship, so applicants should consult the detailed application announcement for any financial provisions.
• Requirements and application instructions should be verified in the current OREF announcement before submission.