UCSF orthopaedic surgery residents, from left, Dr. Andrew Gatto, Dr. Rachel Gottlieb and Dr. Kevin Liu each received a $5,000 resident research grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) to support their innovative research projects in the 2025–2026 academic year. (Photos: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Three second-year residents receive $5,000 grants to support innovative research projects during the 2025–2026 academic year
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 24, 2025 — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is pleased to announce that three of its second-year residents — Andrew Gatto, D.O., Rachel Gottlieb, M.D. and Kevin Liu, M.D. — have each received a $5,000 resident research grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) to support their individual research projects in the upcoming academic year.
"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Andrew Gatto, Dr. Rachel Gottlieb and Dr. Kevin Liu for their dedication to advancing research on key orthopaedic issues," said Dr. Anthony Ding, UCSF orthopaedic surgery resident program director. "Their commitment to independent, innovative inquiry exemplifies the spirit of our residency program and the values of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation."
The funded projects for the 2025–2026 academic year include:
- Andrew Gatto, D.O. – “Evaluating the impact of GLP-1 agonists on the pathology of the rotator cuff.” (Research Mentor: Brian Feeley, M.D., Drew Lansdown, M.D.)
- Rachel Gottlieb, M.D. – “Is Language Preference Associated with Readmissions and Complications” (Research Mentor: Lauren Shapiro, M.D, M.S.)
- Kevin Liu, M.D. – “Exploring the Role of Fibroadipogenic Progenitors in Treatment of Fracture Related Infections” (Research Mentor: Brian Feeley, M.D.)
"These awards are a testament not only to the hard work and talent of Dr. Andrew Gatto, Dr. Rachel Gottlieb and Dr. Kevin Liu, but also to the strength of our entire research program," said Dr. C. Benjamin Ma, chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "We are proud to support the next generation of orthopaedic investigators who are driving meaningful discoveries that will improve patient care."
About OREF
Founded in 1955 by orthopedic surgeons, OREF provides research grants to residents nationwide who are dedicated to advancing studies on key orthopaedic issues, independent of commercial interests. The foundation aims to improve patient outcomes and clinical care by supporting innovative research, fostering new investigators, and promoting musculoskeletal health within the orthopaedic community.
About UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through pioneering research and transformative patient care. The department's mission includes a comprehensive approach to basic, clinical, and translational research, addressing a wide range of challenges in musculoskeletal health. Researchers explore issues such as osteoarthritis, hereditary disorders, and the socioeconomic determinants of health, including poverty, discrimination, malnutrition, and access to care. The department’s impactful scholarship is demonstrated through numerous published papers and substantial NIH funding, underscoring its potential for transformative contributions to musculoskeletal science.
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