February 2026

J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society Research

Grants: What is the Return on Investment?

Lancelot Benn, MD, PGY1, Susan E. Stephens, MD, Mark Ehioghae, MD.PGY1, Rishi Balkissoon, MD, Brendan A. Williams, MD, Shaina Lipa, MD, David N Bernstein, MD.PhD, MBA, MEI, Gbolabo Sokunbi, MD, Barrett Woods, MD, Wakenda Tyler, MD, MPH, Jaysson Brooks, MD, Randall C Morgan, MD, Kwadwo Owusu-Akyaw, MD, Wayne Johnson, MD, Eric Carson, MD, George V Russell, MD, MBA, and Addisu Mesfin, MD. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2025 Nov 3;9(11):e25.00314. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00314. eCollection 2025 Nov 1. PMID: 41187297 PMCID: PMC12614678 DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00314

Pictured: Medical Students from Chicago School of Medicine at Rosalind Franklin U-Med & Science, Howard College of Medicine, and Georgetown University School of Medicine participating in clinical shadowing with Dr. Mesfin.

Addisu Mesfin, MD published research, quantifying the return on investment (ROI) of JRGOS research grants reflects the strength of the Gladden grant funding process, particularly among orthopaedic attendings and residents. From 2011 to 2023, JRGOS-funded research awarded to these groups demonstrated a strong peer reviewed publication yield, with Gladden member orthopaedic surgeons achieving an ROI exceeding 90 percent. Resident-led projects also showed meaningful scholarly output, reinforcing the value of early-career research support during training and transition to independent practice.

Importantly, these grants resulted in publications across high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating that targeted investment in attendings and residents translates into tangible academic outcomes. The findings affirm that JRGOS research funding is not only mission-aligned but also highly effective in advancing scholarly productivity, leadership development, and long-term impact within orthopaedic surgery—an outcome exemplified by leaders such as Dr. Mesfin, whose accomplishments continue to inspire the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.

Addisu Mesfin, MD is widely recognized for his exceptional leadership, scholarly impact, and enduring commitment to advancing excellence in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Mesfin was named the Laconi Family Endowed Chair of Research, Georgetown University School of Medicine/MedStar Health in October 2025, an honor that reflects both his sustained academic impact and his influence in shaping meaningful, mission-driven research initiatives. This milestone represents a significant achievement in his career and underscores the confidence placed in his vision for advancing orthopaedic scholarship.

Dr. Mesfin received the 2024 Henry Farfan Award from the North American Spine Society, one of the most prestigious recognitions in spine research. This award acknowledges his outstanding contributions to spine surgery, oncology, and research innovation, as well as his national impact as a thought leader in the field. Together, his endowed chair appointment and Farfan Award highlight a career defined by excellence, rigor, and service to the orthopaedic community.

In addition to these individual achievements, Dr. Mesfin’s leadership as Chair of the JRGOS Scientific Committee (2011–2024) elevated the Society’s research mission. Under his guidance, JRGOS has continued to support high-impact, investigator-driven research focused on improving musculoskeletal care and addressing critical issues in orthopaedic surgery. His tenure has strengthened the Society’s commitment to scholarly excellence while ensuring that funded projects align with its core values.