Step into the Sports Medicine Research Lab at UNMC, and you will discover more than just data and devices — you will uncover stories of ambition and innovation from two outstanding Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Research Fellows: Manuel Romero-Padron, MD, and Obinna Chinweze, MD. These global citizens, hailing from Mexico and Nigeria, respectively, have converged in Omaha, united by a mission to advance patient care through cutting-edge research in sports medicine.
A Fellowship Built for Future Leaders
The Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Research Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a one-year, immersive experience designed to deepen fellows’ expertise in clinical research while strengthening their path toward orthopaedic surgery residency. Hosted by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation and the Physical Therapy Program, the fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration — blending clinical insight with biomechanics, imaging, and rehabilitation science.
“Our fellows are not just here to do research,” says Elizabeth Wellsandt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Associate Professor in Physical Therapy. “They are here to grow into well-rounded future physicians, contributing meaningfully to musculoskeletal health.”
Driven by Curiosity, Grounded in Purpose
For Dr. Romero-Padron, research is about stepping back to ask, “How can we do better?” Originally from Tampico, Mexico, he moved north seeking the kind of training unavailable back home. His work focuses on ACL reconstruction, exploring the effects of body weight changes and rehabilitation progress on surgical outcomes. He is also leading a project on a knee sleeve device that tracks motion patterns — an exciting fusion of technology and clinical care.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chinweze, who has journeyed through Germany, the UK, and Belarus, brings a relentless curiosity to his projects. A self-described “compulsive fixer,” he has been investigating post-operative outcomes in ACL patients, including the impact of joint effusion and psychological factors on recovery. “Research lets me ask ‘why not?’ just as much as ‘why?'” he says.
Mentorship That Matters
Central to the fellowship’s success is mentorship. Fellows work closely with leaders like Dr. Wellsandt and Matthew A. Tao, MD, Associate Professor, Sports Medicine and Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Program.
“We care tremendously about the people we work with,” Dr. Tao explains. “Our goal is to mentor fellows in a way that prepares them not just for residency but for impactful careers in orthopaedics.”
Fellows benefit from a structured environment of didactics, clinical observation, and interdisciplinary research. They engage with faculty from orthopaedic surgery, radiology, engineering, and physical therapy, contributing to high-impact studies on ACL injuries, biomechanics, and osteoarthritis prevention.
Research, Recognition, and Community
Throughout the year, both fellows have immersed themselves in scholarly activity, with presentations at regional and international conferences and nearly ten research projects, each on track for publication. Beyond academia, what is their most surprising discovery? Nebraska’s unpredictable weather — from sun to snow in a single day — and the welcoming, team-oriented culture at UNMC.
“Everyone has been incredibly supportive,” says Dr. Romero-Padron. “There is a real commitment to quality and detail here.”
And for both, nothing topped the thrill of their first Huskers game — 87,000 fans, “Go Big Red!” chants, and in Dr. Chinweze’s case, a lost voice from cheering so loud.
Looking Ahead
The fellowship is more than a stepping stone — it is a launchpad. Past fellows have been matched into top orthopaedic residency programs and contributed to multi-site research, shaping the national conversation on musculoskeletal care. As Dr. Wellsandt notes, “There is no better feeling than seeing our fellows reach their goals.”
Their advice to future applicants? Set goals, ask questions, work smart, and embrace the journey — weather swings and all.