Kean Professor Expands Orthopaedic Research Through New Grant
James Stavitz, Ph.D., assistant professor in Kean University’s Master of Science in athletic training in the College of Health Professions and Human Services, has received a $75,000 charitable grant from the medical technology company OrthoHeal to advance orthopaedic research, provide research opportunities for students and support educational initiatives at the University over the next five years.
As Kean’s research profile continues to grow, Stavitz saw an opportunity to develop a new relationship with OrthoHeal focused on orthopaedic research, student engagement and educational initiatives.
"My work with OrthoHeal at Kean will focus primarily on the development of scholarly research and peer-reviewed publications related to emerging orthopaedic immobilization technologies, particularly light-cured polymer immobilizers such as FlexiOH,” Stavitz said.
FlexiOH, a washable, breathable, waterproof cast manufactured by OrthoHeal, will be central to Stavitz's research. He expects to conduct a clinical outcomes study examining radiographic healing and complications associated with the product, followed by a randomized clinical study comparing FlexiOH to traditional fiberglass and plaster casting methods.
“We met with James and realized there could be a really good opportunity to partner with Kean University from an education standpoint,” said Smit Patel, chief commercial officer at OrthoHeal. “This gives us an opportunity to engage students across a range of healthcare disciplines, including athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, nursing and exercise physiology, and expose them to emerging approaches in orthopaedic care, immobilization and bracing.”
The grant will also support faculty and student research, publications, conference presentations and educational initiatives within the Department of Athletic Training Education and the College of Health Professions and Human Services.
“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in research, innovation and healthcare education at Kean while helping prepare future healthcare professionals to become leaders in evidence-based orthopaedic and sports medicine practice,” Stavitz said.
The partnership will extend beyond research to include global educational programming at Kean. Stavitz and OrthoHeal anticipate hosting four to six webinars each year on topics including fracture management, orthopaedic casting techniques, casting complications, emerging immobilization technologies, patient safety, sports medicine applications and advances in evidence-based orthopaedic care.
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