Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab

The Mass General Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab (FARIL) is a groundbreaking initiative by the MGH foot and ankle service focused on pioneering breakthroughs in foot and ankle research and innovation that will directly impact the care of the foot and ankle patients. Led by Dr. Christopher W. DiGiovanni and Bart Lubberts MD, PhD, researchers are considering the biggest issues facing foot and ankle care today. Specifically, our research addresses how to diagnose and treat complex foot injuries such as fifth metatarsal fracture, syndesmotic instability and Lisfranc injuries.

Perhaps the most important quality of FARIL is its ability to integrate all aspects of Foot and Ankle care by incorporating every facet of research. From top institutions in the US to internationally recognized academia, FARIL researchers bring their diverse training and experience to create new tests and treatments. FARIL also brings together organizations (MGH research institute, AOFAS) and industry leaders to implement new technology used to treat foot and ankle injuries. With patient care at its center, FARIL brings every component of foot and ankle research to one cutting-edge location. FARIL is an offsite Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School affiliated Laboratory.

Right now, researchers are pioneering new ultrasound techniques to create a dynamic picture of the ankle. This will allow physicians to accurately diagnose ankle injuries that would have previously been difficult or even impossible to recognize without surgery. The lab is also developing new treatment methods for common foot and ankle problems. New arthroplasty techniques and equipment are being established to improve and perfect total ankle replacement. Biomechanic studies are being undertaken to improve surgical techniques and reduce recovery time. These are just some of the ways FARIL leads the way in foot and ankle research.

If you are interested in getting involved in the lab, please send your CV and letter of recommendation to Bart Lubberts MD PhD.

Current Fields of Research

• Foot and Ankle biomechanics and kinematics
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Outcomes and Translational research
• Surgical techniques (open and arthroscopic)
• Joint preservation and salvage
• Venous Thromboembolic diseases

Research Positions

The Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Laboratory is a platform for innovation, research and education and creates a unique environment were clinicians, researchers, and engineers work together and share their expertise. This stimulates high quality and clinical relevant research. During your time at our service you get to opportunity to do clinical - and biomechanical research, to assist with grant applications, and to secure one or more first author publications. These opportunities are utilized in our areas of expertise: Arthroscopic assessment of the foot and ankle, diagnostic evaluation of foot and ankle disorders using ultrasound, and prophylactic strategies for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in foot and ankle patients.

We offer three academic positions:

1. Research Internship position for at least 10 weeks (part-time or full time) (unpaid position)

Qualifications:

• Medical student enrolled in accredited program
• USA Citizen
• Basic knowledge on biostatistics
• Programming skills are preferred

2. International Research Fellow position for 1 to 2 years (unpaid position)

Qualifications:

• MD (2-5 years of clinical experience) or enrolled in a PhD program
• Excellent proficiency of the English language
• At least 3 peer-reviewed publications as first author
• Basic knowledge on biostatistics
• Programming skills are preferred

3. Research Fellow or Post-Doc position for at least 2.5 years

Qualifications:

• MD or MD/PhD USA Citizen or green card holder
• At least 5 peer-reviewed publications as first author
• Solid knowledge on biostatistics
• Interest in diagnostic evaluation of foot and ankle disorders using ultrasound
• Interest in artificial intelligence
• Aims for a long-term career in academic medicine
• Aims to obtain an appointment at Harvard Medical School
• Basic programming skills are preferred

How To Apply

Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Bart Lubberts MD, PhD at blubberts@mgh.harvard.edu.

FARIL Instagram

Follow FARIL on Instagram! @faril_MGH