Orthopedic Research Society Clinician Scholar Career Development Program Report
Vishwajeet Singh, MBBS, MS
Spine Clinical Instructor University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
Each year, NASS sponsors a clinician scientist to attend the Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP) offered by the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS). The 2024 CSCDP participant was Vishwajeet Singh, MBBS, MS.
I am deeply grateful to the North American Spine Society (NASS) for generously sponsoring my participation in the 2025 ORS Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP). This experience has been one of the most rewarding milestones in my journey as an early-career spine surgeon and aspiring clinician-scientist.
I have long admired NASS’s commitment to fostering professional growth and supporting research-minded clinicians who strive to advance evidence-based spine care. Through NASS, I first learned about the CSCDP—a unique and highly regarded program that helps bridge the gap between clinical practice and research leadership. I submitted my application for the 2025 cycle, and to my great honor, I was selected this year as the NASS-sponsored attendee.
The program exceeded my expectations in every way. It brought together an exceptional cohort of early-career surgeons and researchers from across the country, all passionate about improving musculoskeletal health through research. Over three days of interactive sessions, mentorship meetings, and small group discussions, we explored essential skills for clinician-scientists—ranging from grant writing and study design to balancing academic productivity with clinical practice, as well as work-life balance.
The mentorship and networking opportunities were particularly inspiring. Senior faculty shared their personal journeys, offering candid insights about the challenges and rewards of academic medicine. These conversations reinforced the idea that impactful research is not just about data—it is about perseverance, collaboration, and maintaining curiosity.
Being a representative of NASS at this event was a privilege that underscored the society’s vital role in nurturing the next generation of spine researchers. The program gave me practical tools to refine my research questions, strengthen my proposals, and approach scientific problems with greater rigour. More importantly, it reignited my confidence and enthusiasm to pursue an academic career focused on advancing spine surgery innovation and improving patient outcomes.
I would wholeheartedly encourage any early-career spine specialist interested in research to apply for future opportunities supported by NASS. The society’s dedication to education and mentorship is unparalleled, and programs like this one make a lasting difference in professional development.
I extend my sincere gratitude to NASS and the Orthopedic Research Society (ORS) for their support and for recognizing the importance of investing in emerging clinician-scientists. This experience has shaped my perspective on academic leadership and reaffirmed my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the field of spine care.