Bone and Joint Canada (BJC) supports the training of researchers. Over the last few years BJC has partnered with the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) to deliver a grant mentoring program for early career researchers with a stated interest in musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
Through the Young Investigator Initiative, BJC and USBJI aim to advance basic and clinical research capacity in musculoskeletal diseases. The initiative matches early-career clinical investigators with experienced researchers in the field to assist them in developing the skills for an academic career. Intensive training workshops for musculoskeletal clinicians are held each spring and fall; they focus on research methods and research grant development to enhance competition in Canada and potentially broaden the scope of MSK research.
To date, more than 180 young investigators have been successfully funded following the program including researchers from anatomy, chiropractic, dentistry, endocrinology, kinesiology, orthopaedics, pathology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational medicine, occupational therapy, and rheumatology. Applicants compete to participate in the program; to date, participants have obtained >$210M in research grants.
By working collaboratively with the USBJI, Canada is leveraging its investment to develop young clinical investigators in the area of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions.