Clinical Scholars Career Development Program (CSCDP) - The Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP) was established in 2003 to address the national decline in clinician researchers and the persistent shortage of basic and clinical research training within residency programs. CSCDP is an intensive, annual two-day training workshop designed for orthopaedic residents (PGY2–PGY5), fellows, and early-career faculty (through year three) who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to becoming orthopaedic clinician scholars. Clinician scholars drive the advancement of orthopaedics through innovative investigation and sustained, peer-reviewed research funding. Accordingly, CSCDP maintains a highly selective and competitive application process. Since its inception, the program has been a collaborative partnership among the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), and it has continued to evolve to broaden participation and address the full career trajectory of the clinician scholar. Program participants develop the core competencies required for excellence as both surgeons and scientists, including scientific rigor, professionalism, responsible conduct of research, research methodology, leadership and management skills, and effective communication. CSCDP has a demonstrated record of success and provides access to distinguished faculty mentors, including department chairs, NIH R01 and other major grant recipients, and highly published investigators. The curriculum integrates didactic lectures, interactive small-group breakout sessions, networking meals, and dynamic panel discussions. Participants gain practical insight into building sustainable academic careers through institutional support, protected research time, interdisciplinary collaboration, funding strategies, and work–life integration. The program emphasizes strategic career planning, efficient alignment of clinical and research priorities, and enhanced awareness of funding opportunities. By program completion, participants develop individualized 5- and 10-year career development plans with clearly defined clinical and research objectives.
