This post is authored by Juan Pablo Flanagan, the 2024 intern in Dell Medical School’s Value-Based Health Care Summer Research Internship.
Reflecting on my summer as the value-based health care intern at the Musculoskeletal Institute at UT Health Austin, I remember starting with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Stepping into a role with high expectations felt daunting, but looking back, this experience was exactly what I needed to build my confidence and show myself I could thrive as part of both the clinic and research teams. This summer brought me closer to my dream of serving others through orthopaedic surgery.
From day one, the learning curve was steep. I didn’t know what to expect, but Lauren Uhler quickly helped me find my footing and served as my main contact point throughout the experience. Under the guidance of Dr. Prakash Jayakumar and the incredible team at the Musculoskeletal Institute, I spent my days immersed in the world of orthopaedics.
Learning the Value of Collaboration
Mornings or afternoons were spent being part of the clinic team alongside Drs. Kevin Bozic, David Ring, Karl Koenig, A.J. Johnson, J. Mica Guzman and Mark Queralt as well as residents, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and medical assistants. Working closely with this team gave me a better understanding of patient care, from initial evaluations to treatment planning. I observed how the team worked together to ensure that patients received the best holistic care possible. Whether it was participating in procedures, learning effective patient communication or helping recruit patients for studies, I gained a solid appreciation for the collaborative nature of an integrated practice unit and how every team member plays an important role.
One of the most transformative parts of my experience was working with Dr. Ring and the Science Factory team. As part of this group, I participated in multiple studies that explored innovative approaches to musculoskeletal care. I gained hands-on experience recruiting patients, collecting data, formulating hypotheses, contributing to study designs, writing manuscripts and learning data analysis. Working closely with my research partner, Jefferson Hunter, I learned the value of collaboration in tackling complex research questions. The experience helped me see how research drives clinical improvements and gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.
The other half of my day was equally enriching — whether pursuing independent research, attending didactic sessions with residents, or shadowing procedures with Dr. Johnson, I felt inspired by the limitless opportunities around me. Grand rounds and early morning fracture conferences were other highlights. Sitting in a room full of people living the life I aspire to was surreal. I walked out of those sessions energized, knowing I belonged and could one day achieve that dream.
This summer was about more than just research experience. It was a reminder of the importance of teamwork and how much I could grow when surrounded by inspiring mentors and colleagues. I’m grateful for the relationships I built and the lessons I learned — both of which have brought me closer to my goal of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.