Silberstein Pediatric Orthopaedics Research Fellowship

The Silberstein Research Fellowship, named in honor of Dr. Charles E. Silberstein, is a fellowship program for students in the first year of medical school seeking an early start to clinical experience in the orthopaedic field. This is a two-to three-month commitment during the summer. Fellows will work with the pediatric orthopaedic surgery faculty and the Poggi research fellow to bring a project to substantial completion and eventual publication.

Details, Eligibility and Application

  • Duration: two to three months during summer
  • Applicants should be completing their first of medical school.
  • Applicants must be in good academic standing and have an interest in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The successful applicant will be responsible, motivated, intellectually curious and work well independently and with a team.
  • The recipient of this award will receive a $5,000 stipend to cover living expenses for the summer, as well as travel expenses for national presentations.
  • Eligible students can apply by filling out the application form and and submitting a letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae and your medical school transcript by email to [email protected].
  • Application period: December 5, 2023 - March 3, 2024 (5 p.m. EST)
  • For more information: view the fellowship brochure.

I had an immensely formative and productive summer. I contributed to research in pediatric orthopaedics and acquired early clinical and surgical experience. I am grateful to Dr. Sponseller and the pediatric orthopaedics team at Johns Hopkins for their kind mentorship.


Matthew Hadad, Summer 2017 fellow

Silberstein Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship Alumni

This fellowship has been a life-changing experience – one that has solidified my desire to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery.


Ethan Cottrill, Summer 2016 fellow

About Dr. Charles E. Silberstein

Dr. Charles E. Silberstein served as a member of the Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery for 45 years. He retired in 2011, but not before he became professor emeritus. Dr. Silberstein’s 57-year career as a physician enriched the lives of patients, students and colleagues alike. His lifelong interest in the care of children with disabilities led to his 42-year affiliation with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where he remains on staff. His establishment of the Special Program for Children with Disabilities (now the Bennett Institute Physically Challenged Sports Program), has helped raise the self-esteem of hundreds of children through healthy competition.

Dr. Silberstein obtained his doctor of medicine from the University of Maryland in 1958. He then completed his internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia in 1963 before serving as the NIH post-doctoral fellow at Jefferson, where he received his M.S.in 1964. After returning to Baltimore to begin his orthopaedic practice, he came under the tutelage and mentorship of Dr. Winthrop M. Phelps, founder and Director of the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute in Reisterstown, which then was relocated to Baltimore City to become the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI). He has been associated with KKI since its opening in 1967, serving as director of the Orthopaedic Surgery Section from 1992

Renowned for his generous care for the underserved, Dr. Silberstein donated countless hours of care throughout Maryland during his career. He travelled to Allegheny, Garrett, Washington, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties for decades to hold clinics for those without the means to travel to Baltimore. He followed many children from infancy to adulthood, and provided orthopaedic care for adults with special needs. Dr. Silberstein also served for many years as a team physician and advisor for the Orioles and for Johns Hopkins University Athletics. 

His steady presence and good judgment have made him a cornerstone of orthopaedics in Baltimore.

Fellowship Faculty

Contact

Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the fellowship.