Karter Morris | Orthopaedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Karter Morris | Orthopaedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine | United States

Mr. Karter Morris, an MD candidate specializing in orthopaedic research, is a developing scholar whose work is anchored at a major academic medical institution with a strong focus on surgical outcomes, hip preservation, musculoskeletal disparities, and metabolic bone health. With a foundation in biological sciences and advanced medical training, he has contributed to multiple research projects spanning diagnostic challenges, comparative outcomes, peripheral nerve repair, and intravascular imaging, producing peer-reviewed publications, systematic reviews, and scholarly abstracts that reflect both technical rigor and clinical relevance. His professional experience includes active participation in collaborative research teams, engagement in academic writing, and involvement in scholarly initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of musculoskeletal care. He has earned competitive academic distinctions and multiple merit-based scholarships recognizing his commitment to excellence, service, and research potential. His leadership is further demonstrated through participation in national professional organizations in medicine and orthopaedic surgery, enabling him to contribute to broader scientific discussions and remain aligned with evolving standards in his field. Through sustained scholarly productivity, active membership in professional societies, and a clear trajectory toward meaningful clinical impact, Morris exemplifies the qualities of an emerging clinician-investigator with strong potential for continued contribution and innovation, making him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Sakthiyendran, N. A., Morris, K., Cushman, C. J., Hernandez, E. J., Idicula, A., & MacKay, B. J. (2025). Surgical outcomes in non‐transected and partially transected peripheral nerve injuries. Brain Sciences.

2. Dhillon, J., Morris, K., & Kraeutler, M. J. (2025). Regarding “Patient-reported outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy versus hip arthroscopy for borderline acetabular dysplasia are comparable: A systematic review.” Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery.

3. Morris, K., Dhillon, J., Keeter, C., & Kraeutler, M. J. (2025). Delays in diagnosis are common among hip preservation surgical candidates: A systematic review. Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Karter Morris’s research advances understanding of musculoskeletal conditions by improving diagnostic accuracy, refining surgical decision-making, and addressing disparities in orthopaedic care. His work supports stronger clinical outcomes, promotes evidence-based practice, and contributes to innovations that enhance patient quality of life across diverse communities.

Sofia Hidalgo Perea | Orthopaedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sofia Hidalgo Perea | Orthopaedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Medical Student, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, United States

Sofía Hidalgo Perea is a promising medical researcher currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. With a robust academic background and a passion for pediatric orthopaedics, she has made substantial contributions to research in areas such as pediatric ACL reconstruction, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal recovery. Sofía’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge is evident through her clinical research, numerous honors, and highly impactful publications. 🌟

Profile

Scopus

Education

Sofía holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University, where she majored in Biology with a concentration in Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Global Health. She is currently a medical student at Stony Brook University, where she has excelled in her academic journey, honored for outstanding performance in clinical clerkships and achieving an impressive. 🎓

Experience

In addition to her medical training, Sofía has had extensive research experience. She is a Medical Student Researcher at Stony Brook University Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics, where she leads studies on the impact of mental health on pediatric ACL recovery. She also completed the Navab Medical Student Research Fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, focusing on collaborative studies related to ACL enthesis structures using pediatric cadaver samples. 🔬

Research Interests

Sofía’s research primarily revolves around orthopaedics, with a specific focus on pediatric musculoskeletal conditions, including ACL reconstruction, pediatric femoral fractures, and rehabilitation following surgery. She is particularly interested in the intersection of biomechanics, mental health, and recovery outcomes in pediatric populations. Her studies aim to improve surgical techniques and rehabilitation strategies for young patients. 🏥

Awards

Throughout her acade2928mic and research career, Sofía has been honored with several prestigious awards. She was inducted into the Honor Medical Society, recognizing her as one of the top 5% of her class. She also won the Best Abstract in the “Medical Student” Category at the Women in Medicine & Science Research Day for her work on pediatric femoral shaft fractures. Other notable awards include the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society Medical Student Grant Scholarship and the Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship Grant. 🏆

Publications Top Notes

Sofía has authored several impactful publications in leading medical journals. Some of her notable works include:

Heyworth BE, Hidalgo Perea S, Green DW, et al. “Technique Variation for MPFL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: Data from the JUPITER Prospective Multicenter Study Group.” Orth J Sports Med. Accepted.

Hidalgo Perea S, Uppstrom TJ, Lin KM, et al. “An Ultrastructure Analysis of the Developing Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Enthesis.” J Orthop Res. 2024. .

Cordasco FA, Hidalgo Perea S, Uppstrom TJ, et al. “Quadriceps Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: Three-Year Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes.” Am J Sports Med. 2024; 52(9):2230-2236. .