The 2026 Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Clinical Research Award was presented to Captain Dana C. Covey, Medical Corps, United States Navy (Ret.) MD, MSc, for his work over 30 years to study how advancements in team preparation, logistics and patient treatment have improved outcomes and reduced mortality for Service Members sustaining musculoskeletal injuries on the battlefield. The award was presented during the Your Academy Meeting at the AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans. To read more about Dr. Covey's research, click here.

The OREF Clinical Research Award was established in 1995 to recognize outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. All submitted manuscripts are reviewed, graded and selected by the AAOS Research Development Committee. The award provides $20,000 to recipients.