Thanks to dedicated physicians and researchers, the dream that scientific breakthroughs will give doctors the tools and medicines to cure disease is becoming reality.
Anyone who knows a child born with an orthopedic condition understands that hope and healing are inseparable. At Shriners Children's Portland, our doctors and scientists work to find new ways to heal children with complex orthopedic conditions. Through both basic and clinical research, our teams work together to uncover new ways to provide innovative care for our patients and their families.
Our Basic Research
Led by interim director of research, Ronen Schweitzer, Ph.D., our basic research department includes a team of scientists who are actively engaged in advancing treatment options for children with:
Through collaborations and the use of advanced technology, this team is currently working on:
- Treating bone growth disorders by identifying bone growth velocity instantaneously
- The use of a finger-prick blood test to help physicians track a child’s rate of growth
The Basic Research Center at Shriners Children's Portland works closely with the Oregon Health & Science University Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
Our Clinical Research
Research efforts at the clinical level are led by our orthopedic surgeon, Ellen Raney, M.D., and her research associates, Cathleen Buckon OTR/L MS, and Susan Sienko, Ph.D. This team collaborates with clinical staff throughout the Shriners Children's network to uncover new ways to help give your child access to the most innovative treatment options available for their condition.
Our clinical research team is currently investigating a number of pediatric conditions including:
Our clinical research team at Shriners Children's Portland collaborates with researchers at Columbia University to uncover new ways to care for children with these conditions.
An integral part of the system-wide Shriners Children's research program, our Portland-based research teams are driven to find cures and treatments that allow us to provide amazing care to children everywhere.
Funding and Support for our Research Programs
Our research is made possible through funding and grants from:
- Shriners Children's national research funding
- Other philanthropic and industrial sources
Funding from our generous donors provides new hope and opportunities for children with orthopedic conditions, arthrogryposis, dysplasia and other pediatric conditions.