Neuro Orthopedic Clinical Surgery Fellowship
Neuro Orthopedic Clinical Surgery Fellowship
Nationwide Children's Hospital Department of Orthopedic Surgery offers a one-year Neuro Orthopedic Clinical Surgery Fellowship for interested surgeons seeking advanced training focused on the care of patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions resulting from neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular diseases.
The Neuro Orthopedic Clinical Surgery Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a one-year program aimed at advancing the skills of surgeons specializing in pediatric neuro-orthopedics. This fellowship focuses on the comprehensive care of children with severe musculoskeletal deformities secondary to neurological conditions. Fellows will gain the opportunity to work with highly specialized clinicians, contribute to innovative research projects, and lead patient interventions that profoundly impact long-term mobility and quality of life in this patient population.
This one-year, unique training program is a strategic response to workforce challenges in this critical subspecialty and highlights our goal to secure and improve the future of neuro-orthopedic care.
What to Know
Curriculum
The curriculum, starting on August 1, is organized into six, two-month blocks, each designed to ensure in-depth mastery of a specific area of expertise while preparing fellows to provide exceptional care to children with neuromuscular conditions.
- Block One: Foundations of Neuro-Orthopedics: Introduction to neuro-orthopedic principles, patient assessment, and clinical skills. Focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system, basic gait mechanics, and assessment strategies.
- Block Two: Gait Analysis and Lower Extremity Deformities: Detailed training in gait analysis and correction strategies, focusing on conditions such as spasticity and equinus deformities. Fellows will collaborate with experts in motion analysis and rehabilitation therapy.
- Block Three: Multidisciplinary CP Care and Complex Foot Deformities: Focus on complex foot deformities commonly associated with cerebral palsy. Fellows will participate in surgical interventions, preoperative and postoperative management, and multidisciplinary team-based care.
- Block Four: Upper Extremity Spasticity and Emerging Technologies: Training in the management of spasticity, particularly in the upper extremities. This block incorporates the latest technological advancements in surgical interventions, including robotics and minimally invasive techniques.
- Block Five: Spinal Deformities and Multi-Level Surgical Planning: Exploration of spinal deformities, surgical correction techniques, and multi-level planning for complex pediatric cases. Fellows will learn advanced approaches in spinal fusion, scoliosis management, and pelvic reconstruction.
- Block Six: Capstone and Leadership in Neuro-Orthopedics: This block emphasizes leadership skills, preparing fellows to lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex cases, and contribute to institutional and global initiatives in neuro-orthopedics.
The program offers a balanced weekly schedule that includes outpatient clinic days, OR sessions, research, and gait analysis conferences. The fellow will also contribute to teaching, mentoring, and the development of educational materials for residents and medical students. Weekly journal clubs, lectures, and hands-on workshops will enhance the fellow's learning experience.
Conference Involvement
The Neuro-Orthopadics Fellowship supports comprehensive educational enrichment through a combination of conference attendance, specialized courses, and networking opportunities. Fellows are encouraged to attend leading conferences in the field of pediatric orthopedics, neuro-orthopedics, and neurology. This includes:
- Annual Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Conference: A key event for fellows to interact with thought leaders, present their research, and engage in clinical discussions.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting: Offers exposure to the latest innovations in orthopedics, as well as specialized sessions on pediatric and neuro-orthopedic surgery.
- Gait Analysis (GCMAS) and Cerebral Palsy Conferences (AACPDM): Fellows will have the opportunity to attend specialized events focusing on advancements in motion analysis and multidisciplinary care, providing deeper insights into managing cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital supports the fellows’ development by providing a funding stipend for their attendance at these events, as well as a comprehensive library of online resources and access to national research networks.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to present their work at major medical conferences, further enriching their professional development and academic profile.
Meet Our Faculty & Fellows
- Meet Our Faculty
- Meet Our Fellows
Research
The Neuro-Orthopedics Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital places a strong emphasis on research and advocacy, aiming to equip fellows with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive innovations in the field. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects that aim to improve clinical outcomes, enhance surgical techniques, and advance patient-specific care models.
Key areas of research include:
- Surgical Innovations: Ongoing studies focused on improving surgical techniques for complex deformities, such as those seen in cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
- Gait Analysis: Research on advanced gait analysis technologies and their application in predicting surgical outcomes and improving rehabilitation strategies.
- Multidisciplinary Care Models: Investigating collaborative models between surgeons, therapists, and neurologists to enhance patient care across various disciplines.
- Outcomes-based Research: Assessing long-term functional outcomes in pediatric patients who undergo surgical interventions for neuro-orthopedic conditions.
Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital
Advocacy
In addition to research, fellows are encouraged to participate in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about neuro-orthopedic conditions, promote early diagnosis, and improve access to specialized care. This may include collaborating with patient advocacy organizations, participating in policy-making discussions, and leading community outreach initiatives to ensure children with complex neurological conditions receive the care they deserve.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital also supports the fellows in presenting their findings at national and international conferences, ensuring that they have a platform to contribute to the broader academic and clinical community.
Salary & Benefits
Our Fellows are hospital employees, and as such, they are eligible for the same benefits other full-time staff receive (with the exception of paid time off, which is outlined.)
Eligibility
- Pre-requisite training includes MD, DO, MBBS or equivalent.
- Candidates must have completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery.
- United States candidates are required to have an Ohio training license or full license.
- Candidates from outside the U.S. are required to have an active Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, appropriate vias and a limited permit to practice medicine in the state of Ohio.
We currently are accepting interested applicant emails for the 2027-2028 academic year. Interested applicants can send their curriculum vitae and letter of interest to the program director and program coordinator via email.
Sean Tabaie, MD, MBS, FAAOS, FAOA
Program Director
Sean.Tabaie@NationwideChildrens.org
Jennifer Denny
Program Coordinator
Jennifer.Denny@NationwideChildrens.org
Contact Us
Sean Tabaie, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FAOA
Program Director
Sean.Tabaie@NationwideChildrens.org
Kirsten Tulchin-Francis, PhD
Associate Program Director
Kirsten.Tulchin-Francis@NationwideChildrens.org
Jennifer Denny
Program Coordinator
Jennifer.Denny@NationwideChildrens.org
