Abstract
The main purpose of this article is to explore the benefits and dynamics of collaborations between orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineering (BME) undergraduates and faculties in the context of engineering design programs as well as clinical immersion programs. An outline of strategies to navigate the seemingly complex landscape of hospitals and universities is presented through models of orthopaedic-BME collaborations at two distinct academic practice settings in the United States. In addition to (four) examples of BME design projects sponsored by the clinicians, funding and intellectual property (IP), priority of time management, as well as the positive impact on student education are also discussed. Design collaborations can provide unique educational and research opportunities for the development of undergraduate engineering students to become future leaders; at the same time, this simultaneously facilitates innovative solutions fulfilling unmet clinical needs for orthopaedic clinicians. Overall, we hope to provide references and resources for pediatric orthopaedists who are interested in participating in similar orthopaedic-BME design framework for future innovation and student education in real-life orthopaedic research translation. Key Concepts•The "duet" partnership between orthopaedics and biomedical engineering can bring a paradigm shift in orthopaedic surgery.•Such a collaboration model introduces the BME students to real-world clinical needs and a potential future career trajectory; in return, this also offers the orthopaedists the opportunity to fulfill unmet clinical needs, offer better patient care, as well as understand the process of research and design (R&D) in engineering.•The IP issue is complex and often related to the funding source; it is well worth the time for both the orthopaedist and the BME student to comprehend and negotiate IP before the project commences.•Making time and effort to "join the team" in person with BME is tremendous for the team morale, in addition to remotely providing clinical perspectives-albeit challenging for full-time orthopaedic surgeons.•References #3 (ABET, United States) and #4 (Engineers Canada, Canada) provide a comprehensive list of contacts of BME programs that would be excellent partners for orthopaedic collaborations.