Michael Zinner Health Services Research Fellowship
The goal of the Surgical Outcomes Club (SOC) Michael Zinner Health Services Research Fellowship Program is to provide an avenue for junior surgical investigators to acquire the skills, knowledge, and network needed to develop, execute, and publish research studies in the field of surgical outcomes and health services research under the guidance of a high-quality experienced mentor.
Now Accepting Applications!
Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025



Program Highlights
- One year fellowship for trainees and junior faculty
- Up to 4 fellows accepted each year
- Fellows are matched with an established SOC Member who will serve as their mentor and consultant
- Fellows will develop and execute a project under the guidance of their mentor
- The research fellowship program is of no cost to the participants
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Objectives
Upon completion of the program, fellows will be able to:
- Access and review the surgical outcomes research literature
- Design an outcomes research project using appropriate methods
- Manage an outcomes research project
- Translate outcomes research into academic presentations and publications
- Establish a network of surgical outcomes research colleagues
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Program Expectations
- Attend the mid-year Zinner Fellowship Reception, which is held at the Academic Surgical Congress
- Attend the SOC Annual Scientific Session during the fellowship year and present your research project in a dedicated session for Zinner fellows.
- Submit an abstract to a national meeting based on collaborative with your mentor
- Prepare and submit at least one manuscript with your mentor for peer review and/or development of specific aims for future grant submission
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Who May Apply
- Members of the Surgical Outcomes Club that are interested in pursuing surgical outcomes and health services research may apply to this fellowship.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the application for along with the following:
- Application form
- Current copy of your curriculum vitae
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A two-page statement of interest, including:
- Prior and/or current activities and responsibilities in surgical outcomes research
- A description of current surgical outcomes research interests
- Potential research questions that may serve as a focus of the fellowship research project.
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Previously published and/or presented surgical outcomes research
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Why an SOC mentor is needed
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Letter of Support from department chair is required, confirming the support for attending the mid-year Zinner Fellowship Reception and the Annual Scientific Session.
Now accepting applications!
Application Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025
2024 Fellowship Awardees and Mentors

Ryan Jacobs,
MD, MS
Northwestern University
Mentor:
Robert Meguid, MD, MPH;
University of Colorado

Catherine Jensen,
MD, MS
University of Wisconsin
Mentor:
Rachel Greenup, MD, MPH;
Yale School of Medicine

Jason Samuels,
MD
Vanderbilt University
Mentor:
Luke Funk, MD;
University of Wisconsin

Tandis Soltani,
MD
UC Davis
Mentor:
Cherisse Berry MD;
NYU Langone Health

The Surgical Outcomes Club Michael Zinner Health Services Research Fellowship Reception in Las Vegas was a memorable event celebrating the achievements of emerging researchers in the field of surgical outcomes. The reception brought together fellowship recipients, mentors, and colleagues to network, share insights, and discuss advancements in health services research.
History of Michael Zinner Fellowship

The Health Services Research Fellowship was named in honor of Dr. Michael J. Zinner, in thanks for his outstanding mentorship of the Surgical Outcomes Club.
In 2005, Dr. Zinner generously sponsored our first organized meeting, which led to development of bylaws and creation of a leadership committee.
In our second year, Dr. Zinner again sponsored what has come to be our Annual Scientific Session, which permitted the group to launch successfully as an independent club. The Michael Zinner Health Services Research Fellowship provides an avenue for young investigators to acquire the skills and knowledge to develop, execute and publish research studies in the field of surgical outcomes and health services research under the guidance of high quality mentors and advisors, external to their home institutions. This one-year fellowship will match awardees with an established SOC member who will provide mentoring and guidance in the completion of an outcomes research project.