The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is taking action to revolutionize its research efforts. Through identified focus areas, increased collaborative efforts, and research priorities, the department is working to be a leader, not only in the field of orthopaedics, but also in orthopaedic research.
Under the research leadership of Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, vice chair of Research and Innovation for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the department recently held its inaugural UAB Orthopaedic Surgery Research Retreat, setting the stage for collaborative opportunities and strategic growth. Designed to inspire faculty and chart the department’s future research direction, the retreat, which was comprised of two sessions, delivered valuable insights that will shape the next era of orthopaedic research within the department.
One of the highlights of the retreat was a high-energy brainstorming session aimed at aligning the department’s research with national priorities. This critical discussion helped identify key areas for faculty recruitment and expansion.
“The main outcome of this session was to pinpoint research areas where we need to grow,” said Ghomrawi. “We are still refining these ideas, but faculty have highlighted both specialty-specific and broader orthopaedic research priorities that will position us as national leaders.”
Ghomrawi, who also serves as associate director for the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC), ensured that one of the retreat sessions also underscored the power of collaboration, bringing together experts from areas within UAB, including CAMBAC, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), the Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE), and the UAB School of Engineering. Collaboration is a key priority at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and this session opened doors to research opportunities and valuable institutional resources.
“There is tremendous value in having CAMBAC, COERE, CCTS, and the School of Engineering at the table,” said Ghomrawi. “Their presentations showcased the wealth of resources and research support available to our surgeons, empowering them to take their investigations to the next level. Since stepping into my role, I have prioritized fostering collaborations, and I anticipate even greater synergy following this retreat.”
The retreats weren’t just about discussion, they were about action. The insights gathered will directly shape the department’s research strategy, particularly in recruiting top-tier faculty–another strategic priority for Heersink.
“These conversations will guide our hiring decisions moving forward,” said Ghomrawi.
To turn vision into reality, the department is compiling a comprehensive report detailing key findings and strategic next steps. This report will be shared with senior leadership at the Heersink School of Medicine to guide hiring and research advancements.
“First I’d like to thank both our faculty and the visiting surgeon scientists, Kurt Spitler, M.D. and Daniel Chu, M.D., for their engagement and participation,” said Steven Theiss, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “It was inspiring to see the wide range of potential collaborators, both at UAB and in the larger orthopaedic community, who have interests and projects that can help our research programs grow. The retreat was a great start as we work to expand the impact of our research enterprise. I look forward to supporting our faculty in their future research endeavors.”
Recognizing the significance of this initiative, leadership from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine attended the retreat to show their support for advancing orthopaedic research. Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president of Medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine, and Tika Benveniste, Ph.D. executive vice dean, engaged with faculty throughout the event, reinforcing the school’s commitment to fostering a strong research environment. Their presence underscored the importance of orthopaedic research within UAB’s broader mission and highlighted the alignment between departmental and institutional research goals.
“The Heersink School of Medicine is committed to being a leader in research, and that commitment is reflected in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Their strategic alignment with our research priorities is a powerful step towards establishing ourselves as leaders in orthopaedic research. By setting the stage for transformative collaborations, they are paving the way for groundbreaking contributions that will drive our shared vision forward,” said Agarwal.
By merging visionary discussions with tangible support, these retreats are igniting a new wave of innovation in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. With strengthened partnerships and a clear research trajectory, UAB is poised to make advancements that will set them up as leaders in the field of orthopaedic research.