# Training in Orthopaedic Team Science

> **NIH NIH T32** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $209,148

## Abstract

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The explosion of new knowledge in genomics, cell biology and biomedical engineering technology is ripe for
translation into new orthopaedic applications for improving the diagnosis and management of patients with
musculoskeletal disorders. Orthopaedic research programs have been slow to capitalize on this opportunity
because of inherent structural impediments in this discipline, which have increasingly distanced orthopaedic
surgeons and basic scientists in the pursuit of translational research projects. This renewal application
proposes the continuation of the Training in Orthopaedic Team Science (TOTS) program, which is modeled
after the proven team science approach used by pharmaceutical companies. This program sponsors the
pursuit of well circumscribed, translational research projects by discovery teams composed of orthopaedic
residents, post-doctoral Ph.D. fellows, medical students and faculty preceptors. Trainees complete a
personalized curriculum based on their background and the project topic designed to provide a solid foundation
of understanding of the scientific principles of the project. Both research and didactic phases of the learning
experience occur concurrently by the trainees to ensure constant interaction between basic and clinical team
members. An Enrichment Program catalyze interactions between trainees and faculty and provide valuable
career development training. The TOTS Steering Committee oversees the project and team selection process,
and evaluate the program's performance using tools for assessing short and long-term measures. An Internal
Advisory Committee provides independent, ongoing evaluation of the program and coordinates feedback from
trainees, training program faculty, and an External Advisory Committee. Our successful implementation of the
TOTS program has demonstrated that the trainees have benefited by this training regarding their research
quality, publication and presentation productivity, and leadership skills. Continuation of the TOTS program will
result in musculoskeletal scientists who will enter the workforce with the requisite experience in translational
research and leadership training to move discoveries effectively between the bench and bedside.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9935552
- **Project number:** 2T32AR067708-06
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas L Clemens
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $209,148
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2015-06-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9935552

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9935552, Training in Orthopaedic Team Science (2T32AR067708-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9935552. Licensed CC0.

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