School of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

The Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC) hosted its first community impact program, Sports2STEM, a two-hour basketball program, at the UPMC Cooper Field House at Duquesne University on Tuesday, April 8. The BMRC partnered with Dr. John Drazan, assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering, Fairfield University to bring the program to Pittsburgh.

Dr. Drazan opened the morning speaking to BMRC staff and faculty on how he found himself at the juncture of his love of basketball and science. He detailed how he has been able to combine the two into an actionable process to ensure students who might not otherwise be engaged in STEM programs are reached. Dr. Drazan and his undergraduate students then toured BMRC labs, as well as the Pitt Orthopaedic Robotics Lab and the Biodynamics Lab.

Later that afternoon, local middle- and high school students explored the science behind common basketball skills and measured their own progress with the help of Dr. Drazan’s senior design students. Accessible, 3-D printed materials and laptops were used to measure student’s jump forces and dash times. Each participant left with a digital read-out of their stats and an understanding of the science “behind the slam dunk”.

The BMRC would like to thank Dr. Drazan, Fairfield University, our BMRC volunteers and all students (and parents and teachers) who attended the Sports2STEM event.

Congratulations to program alum Dr. James Bradley on being inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on April 12, 2025.  Dr. Bradley has served as the team doctor for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1988 - 2012) and is currently the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dr. Bradley is no stranger to sport - he played football himself at Penn State, as co-captain for the 1974-1975 season and received multiple All-American awards during his time there.

Dr. Bradley has been treating world-class athletes for over 40 years, and we are proud to have him on our UPMC Orthopaedic Care team. 

Pitt football capped off its spring season on Saturday, April 12 with the annual Blue-Gold Spring Game. It was a brisk afternoon at Acrisure Stadium but that didn't stop our UPMC Sports Medicine team from being there to support our Pitt athletes.

Hats off to Drs. Herrmann, Hughes and Musahl and our UPMC Sports Medicine team for spending a typical western PA spring morning on the clock. H2P!

The deadline for the 2025 BMRC/ORS Fellowship has passed and the response received this year is amazing. The BMRC team is currently working hard to review the numerous applications and will be in touch with applicants soon regarding next steps.

The BMRC would like to thank the Orthopaedic Research Society for their support and guidance throughout the application process.

Name: Morgan Kohls
Year: PGY5
Medical School: The Ohio State University

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in orthopaedics, and what do you enjoy most about the specialty? Are you currently drawn to a sub-specialty (research, spine, hand/foot, sports medicine etc.)

I realized my love for musculoskeletal anatomy in high school. That passion remained through undergrad and medical school and ultimately guided me to the best specialty. I enjoy so much about orthopaedic surgery - particularly the surgery part - but the most gratifying aspect is seeing patients return to clinic fully recovered and thrilled with their outcomes. I love the proud grins on their faces when they show off the progress they have made.

Regarding sub-specialty selection, I am going to The Ohio State next year for hand and upper extremity fellowship.

2. What’s been the most memorable or rewarding experience during your residency so far?

This question always takes me back to my time as a PGY2 in the Children's ED. Summer nights there can be grueling and thankless, but I honestly loved pace and the freedom. It was the first time in my training that I could provide that volume of definitive care - and by myself! I found it thrilling.

3. How do you see orthopaedics evolving in the future, and what excites you about those changes?

Orthopaedics is becoming more and more specialized. While this lessens our cohesion as a whole specialty, I think that it will increase the quality of care from each sub-specialist and increase the depth of research and discovery in each area. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in other subspecialties in the future.

4. What do you like most about being a part of PITT-UPMC Orthopaedic Care?

I am proud to be a part of an institution with such a great reputation for its long history of quality training and care. I believe we have some of the best educators in orthopaedic surgery as attendings and I have had a great time learning from them.

We’re proud to support our community partner, The Perry Initiative, in their mission to inspire the next generation of leaders in orthopaedics and engineering.

The Perry Outreach Program is a free, one-day, hands-on experience designed to encourage high school students (Grades 10 and up) to explore careers in medicine, science, and engineering. Participants will engage in mock orthopaedic surgeries, biomechanics experiments, and connect directly with mentors in the field.

Date: Saturday, May 31
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Apply here: https://perryinitiative.org/pop-application/
Application Deadline: May 6, 2025

All are welcome to apply and applicants should have a strong interest in STEM and a commitment to The Perry Initiative’s mission.