OREF

OREF The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is the one foundation serving the entire ort How do we fund research and education?

OREF Overview
The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is the one foundation serving the entire orthopaedic community. In 1955, leaders of the major professional organizations in the specialty — the American Orthopaedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Research Society — established OREF as a means of supporting research and education to

ward building the scientific base of clinical practice. Since 1955, the Foundation has raised nearly $95 million and holds a unique place in American medicine. Our Vision
OREF will be the leader in supporting orthopaedic research to improve function, eliminate pain and restore mobility. Our Mission
Improving lives by supporting excellence in orthopaedic research. Through gifts from orthopaedic surgeons, practice groups, medical centers, and industry we support research and education initiatives funded by OREF and by partner organizations. Governance
The Board of Trustees consists of approximately twenty individuals: orthopaedic surgeons and lay persons. The board is responsible for the governance of the foundation, while foundation personnel are responsible for daily operations.

How does weight loss prior to total joint replacement affect postoperative outcomes? Read about research from 's Dr. Mic...
06/18/2026

How does weight loss prior to total joint replacement affect postoperative outcomes?

Read about research from 's Dr. Michael Seward examining how much weight patients need to lose to see meaningful differences after surgery: https://bit.ly/OREF-michael-seward

Watch OREF Grant recipients, Rebekah Lawrence, DPT, PhD and Benjamin Zmistowski, MD of learn they've received funding f...
06/17/2026

Watch OREF Grant recipients, Rebekah Lawrence, DPT, PhD and Benjamin Zmistowski, MD of learn they've received funding for their research on "Glenohumeral Joint Arthrokinematics: A Model for Investigating Eccentric" on our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3MFHD4J

The $20,000 OREF Clinical Research Award recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal di...
06/16/2026

The $20,000 OREF Clinical Research Award recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. Winners will be recognized at the 2027 Annual Meeting and the Annual Meeting.

Applications are due July 1, 2026.

Learn more here:https://bit.ly/oref-clinical-research-award

Since 1955, OREF has been 100% donor funded!Become an Order of Merit Donor, you will help continue to improve clinical c...
06/11/2026

Since 1955, OREF has been 100% donor funded!

Become an Order of Merit Donor, you will help continue to improve clinical care, advance innovative research, support new investigators and promote health.

DONATE TODAY: https://bit.ly/donate-OREF

06/10/2026

Did you know that 1 out of every 2 Americans over the age of 18 is affected by a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition?

That equals more than 133 million individuals dealing with joint pain, bone fractures, arthritis and other MSK challenges every single day.

At OREF, we are committed to changing these numbers. By advancing innovative research, we aim to discover better treatments, improve patient outcomes, and enhance musculoskeletal health for everyone.

But we can't do it alone. Your support directly funds the groundbreaking research that helps patients move without pain and live life to the fullest.

➡️ Make a secure online gift today: oref.org/annual

06/09/2026

You’ve dedicated your career to helping patients return to active, fulfilling lives. Now, you can ensure that the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons can do the same.

By leaving a legacy gift to OREF, you provide critical early funding to our specialty's brightest young investigators. Your support ensures that the research needed to advance clinical practice continues to thrive, making orthopaedic research a permanent part of your legacy of patient care.

Make a lasting impact on the future of musculoskeletal health.

Learn more today: ➡️ oref.org/planned

06/03/2026

Interested in what orthopaedic residents are researching? More than 20 Midwest presented their work at the first Resident Research Symposium of the 2026 season. Watch here: https://bit.ly/2026-RRS-Midwest

Be sure to subscribe to OREF’s YouTube channel while you’re there!

Congratulations to Alvin Su, MD, PhD of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, recipient of the 2026 OREF Career Develop...
06/02/2026

Congratulations to Alvin Su, MD, PhD of Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, recipient of the 2026 OREF Career Development Grant.

Dr. Su’s research, “Bioengineering Stratified Cartilage Through Bioinspired Matrix Stiffening,” explores the development of bioengineered cartilage graft tissue designed to function like native cartilage, with the potential to improve care for patients with debilitating cartilage defects.

The $300,000 grant is made possible by The Aircast Foundation.

Read the full press release to learn more about the research and its potential impact: https://bit.ly/4nPUOy9

Congrats to Maria Menendez Montes, DVM, PhD and Robert H. Brophy, MD of , recipients of the OREF/John W. Brown Early-Sta...
05/30/2026

Congrats to Maria Menendez Montes, DVM, PhD and Robert H. Brophy, MD of , recipients of the OREF/John W. Brown Early-Stage Investigator Technologies Research Grant!

Funding made possible by Stryker in honor of John W. Brown.

Watch: https://youtu.be/igh_lewJA7s

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9400 W Higgins Road, Ste 320
Rosemont, IL
60018

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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