Postdoctoral Scholar Research Program
The UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is a leading academic and clinical department dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through excellence in patient care, education, research, and community service.
Spanning across multiple sub-specialties, the department integrates world-class clinical expertise with innovative discovery and teaching to improve lives locally and globally. Guided by its four pillars—Impactful Advocacy, World-Class Education, Leading-Edge Research, and High-Value Clinical Care—the department continues to lead in advancing musculoskeletal health through research, training, and compassionate care.
Under the leadership of Barton Wise, M.D., M.Sc., FACP, the department’s full-time Postdoctoral Research Program provides an exceptional training environment for emerging scientists. Designed to cultivate the next generation of orthopaedic researchers, the program offers a comprehensive experience that prepares scholars for independent, impactful careers in their chosen fields.
Postdoctoral scholars work closely with faculty mentors to conduct advanced investigations across a range of research domains. Through this collaboration, they make significant contributions to the department’s educational and scientific missions while gaining the skills necessary to thrive in competitive academic and translational research environments.
Ideal candidates bring a strong academic foundation, relevant research experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines while working independently in a vibrant, multidisciplinary setting.
Current Postdoctoral Research Scholars
Reginald Obinna Chinweze M.D., LLM
Graduate School: University of Manchester, England
Medical School: Grodno State Medical University, Belarus
Research Interests: Trauma, Sports/Upper Extremity, Medical Education, Psychosocial impact of musculoskeletal injury
"From my first interactions with the UC Davis team, the culture of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation has been unmistakable. Being surrounded by passionate researchers and supportive faculty has energized my own drive to explore and develop my own clinically meaningful questions. Everyone has been warm and welcoming since my arrival, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to engage in impactful research as part of such a diverse and supportive team."
Click here to find a complete list of publications.
David Dallas-Orr, M.D., M.B.A., MTM
Graduate School: UC San Diego Rady School of Management
Graduate School: Department of Bioengineering / UC San Francisco, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Science
Medical School: Autonomous University of Guadalajara, School of Medicine
Research Interest: Trauma, Sports Medicine, Medical Devices, Clinical Decision Support Tools, Translational Research
"I'm excited to be a part of a diverse and collaborative team. From my first day, it was clear that we get to work with outstanding faculty and that we have the resources to excel."
Click here to find a complete list of publications.
Hania Shahzad, M.D.
Medical School: The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Research Interest: Integration of AR-based tools into surgical practices and patient consultations, aiming to improve patient care and medical training; gamifying orthopaedic trauma education; cannabinoids in pain management; health economics; gender diversity in orthopaedics; osteobiologics; and surgical implants.
"Being part of UC Davis Orthopedics has been an incredible journey of turning curiosity into innovation. With the support of brilliant mentors and a collaborative environment, I've had the chance to explore enabling technologies, translating them into real solutions that improve patient care. The best part? At UC Davis, new ideas aren’t just encouraged—they're transformed into research that shapes the future of orthopedic surgery."
Click here to find a complete list of publications.
Jimmy Smith, M.D.
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Research Interest: Disparities in orthopaedics, stem cell-induced cartilage regeneration, Gene therapy for bone repair/bone regeneration, 3D printing applications in orthopaedics
"My experience in this program has been exceptional so far. UC Davis boasts an outstanding faculty and staff that are unmatched in quality. The entire community here is incredibly supportive and always ready to help in whatever way possible. Being surrounded by such a diverse group of people who bring unique perspectives and insights has been invigorating. I'm eager about the opportunity to contribute to innovative research during my tenure here."
Click here to find a complete list of publications.
The application period is now closed.
Postdoctoral scholars are evaluated for employment based on evidence of contribution to a research program, authorship/acknowledgment in peer-reviewed publications and conference papers, active dissemination of information, and other evidence of expertise. The Postdoctoral scholar will maintain professional competence and may perform university and public service. All applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, authorization to release information form, and contact information for 3-5 references. Please email the required documents to Robyn Baker at rnbaker@health.ucdavis.edu.
Previous Scholars
2023-2025
- Shannon Tse, M.D.
Medical School: University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England
Research interest: Trauma and sports
“Joining UC Davis Health has been a breath of fresh air, where I have the opportunity to engage in innovative research alongside different faculty members, residents, and medical students across various subspecialties. The support and warm welcome from everyone have made this journey very gratifying. Collaborating with our diverse team, including Barton Wise, MD, Serena, Aziz, and Sam, has been a delightful experience. I look forward to continually contributing to producing top-quality research here.”
2023-2024
- Aziz Saade, M.D.
Medical School: University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
Research interest: Surgical techniques in hand and minimally invasive spine surgery
“This newly expanding program is an exceptional opportunity to immerse in musculoskeletal research and bridge the gap between this specialty and patients. Being part of this program has contributed tremendously to my personal and professional growth. The sense of inclusiveness and support of this program's various faculty, staff, and leadership is unequivocal.” -
Samuel Simister, M.D., MBAMedical School: University of Utah School of Medicine, Utah
Research interest: Orthopaedic accessibility, outcomes, and innovation
"While there are a lot of research positions out there, accepting a position at UC Davis is one of the best decisions I’ve made. In a short time, I've learned a great deal about research processes and their relationship to true, scientific inquiry, including gaining unique experiences in seeking grants, a crucial process in scholarly activity. I’ve been able to work closely with faculty and residents who are exemplary in their dedication to bridging the gap between clinical research and surgical practice, and your examples have inspired me. Additionally, this role has increased my knowledge of orthopaedics, honed my scholarly abilities, and established a foundation in evidence-based practice that I believe will be pivotal in my future as an aspiring orthopaedic surgeon."
2022-2023
- Rahul Bhale, M.D.
Medical School: Boston University, Massachusetts
2021-2022
- Umar Javed, M.D.
