Introducing the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC)

We are thrilled to introduce the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC) to the OREF community. The BMRC was officially launched in January of 2024 through the generosity of Mr. Orland Bethel, founder of Hillandale Farms, one of the US’s largest egg producers. 

Suffering from severe spine pain, Mr. Bethel’s search for treatment led him to Dr. Joon Y. Lee, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Clinical Director of the Ferguson Laboratory, Executive Director of the BMRC, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. After receiving relief, Mr. Bethel wanted to ensure that groundbreaking research, like the new surgical procedures that helped him, continued to flourish at the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Bethel’s generous donation was matched by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, elevating its study of musculoskeletal disorders, including degenerative arthritis, fragility fractures, cartilage, tendon, and spinal pathology.

It is the mission of the BMRC to:

• Support and foster investigators to pursue careers in translational, clinical and basic science research in musculoskeletal-related fields.
• Encourage and support the education of trainees interested in musculoskeletal clinician scientist pathways.
• Support the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit the musculoskeletal research community.

We are pleased to announce two upcoming, co-sponsored grants with OREF. This partnership aims to strengthen the education of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents, and postdocs pursuing translational research. By working together, BMRC and OREF are committed to funding pioneering studies that will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

More information on these grants is forthcoming. Keep up to date with BMRC news on our website or by following our social media channels on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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