Shoulder & Elbow Surgery Fellowship
Training the next generation of shoulder and elbow leaders at one of the country's highest-volume programs in Tampa, Florida.
About the Program
The FOI/FORE Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Fellowship is a one-year, hands-on surgical experience at one of the highest-volume tertiary referral centers in the United States. Fellows train within Florida Orthopaedic Institute — the largest and highest-volume private orthopaedic practice in Florida — fully supported by the research infrastructure of the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education.
The fellowship is led by Drs. Mark Frankle and Mark Mighell, both partners at FOI and internationally recognized leaders in shoulder and elbow surgery. Fellows rotate with multiple shoulder faculty, each with distinct patient populations, surgical techniques, and implant systems, providing broad and varied clinical exposure across the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow pathology.
Beyond clinical training, additional operative experience is available across FOI's full range of orthopaedic subspecialties, tailored to each fellow's individual practice needs and career goals. Research is fully integrated into the program, with fellows expected to complete at least three scholarly projects — including at least one first-author, publishable clinical study — supported by FORE's fully staffed biomechanics lab and research coordination team.
Recognition & Accreditation
- verified ASES-recognized fellowship
- sync_alt Matching through SF Match – Orthopaedic Shoulder & Elbow
- handshake Joint program: Florida Orthopaedic Institute & FORE
Program History
- history 27+ years training shoulder and elbow surgeons
- school 75+ fellowship graduates across military, academic, and private practice
- emoji_events Multiple Neer Award winners among alumni
Program Highlights
A comprehensive training experience at the intersection of clinical excellence, surgical innovation, and academic research.
High Volume
Fellows average 250–300 operative cases per year across a comprehensive range of shoulder and elbow procedures.
Clinical Breadth
Comprehensive exposure to glenohumeral arthritis, fractures, neuromuscular diseases, and complex shoulder and elbow pathology.
Surgical Techniques
Both open and arthroscopic techniques with emphasis on complex problem solving and exposure to multiple implant systems.
Research Integration
Fully staffed biomechanics lab; fellows complete ≥3 research projects including at least one first-author publishable clinical study.
Pioneering Innovation
Trained by the surgeon who introduced reverse shoulder arthroplasty to the US (Dr. Frankle) and a leader in implant design and surgical robotics (Dr. Mighell).
Leadership Development
Faculty include a past ASES President and a U.S. Navy Commander. Mentorship in leadership is a core program value.
Robust Education
Weekly lectures, MRI conferences, biweekly indications conferences, fellow-specific seminars, and monthly journal club.
Track Record
75+ surgeons trained over 27 years; multiple Neer Award winners among alumni spanning military, academic, and private practice.
Accredited Program
ASES-recognized fellowship participating in the SF Match – Orthopaedic Shoulder & Elbow national match process.
Years of Training
Fellowship Graduates
Cases Per Year
Research Projects Required
Your Training Experience
"As a fellow at FOI/FORE, you will be immersed in a high-volume surgical environment supported by a rigorous academic and research program — training under some of the most recognized names in shoulder and elbow surgery."
Program Directors
Internationally recognized leaders in shoulder and elbow surgery, research, and innovation.
Mark A. Frankle, MD
Program Director
Past President of ASES. Credited with introducing reverse shoulder arthroplasty to the United States. Multiple patent holder in shoulder implant design.
Full Profile arrow_forwardMark A. Mighell, MD
Program Director
Inactive Reserve Commander, United States Navy. Expert in shoulder arthroplasty, arthroscopy, fracture care, implant design, and advancing surgical robotics.
Full Profile arrow_forwardContact the Program
Program Directors
Mark A. Frankle, MD | Mark A. Mighell, MD
Program Coordinator
Kaitlyn N. Christmas, BS, CCRC
Address
Florida Orthopaedic Institute / FORE
4115 W. Spruce Street, Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33607
Ready to Apply?
Applications are submitted through SF Match. The deadline is November 1. Selected candidates will be invited to Tampa for in-person interviews with the program directors and faculty.