Research at Shriners Children's Portland

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.

Orthopedic Research

Orthopedic conditions can cause mobility issues that challenge a child's ability to be active and independent. We understand how important physical activity is in your child's life, which is why our team of researchers is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for:

Spine Research

 Our pediatric spine surgeons study various ways to improve spine care, which allows them to use the most advanced care techniques to treat your child. Their current research focuses on:

Sports Injury Research

Shriner's Children's Portland is actively engaged in sports injury research. We contribute our findings to a system-wide initiative focused on innovation in the treatment of pediatric sports injuries.

Our Research Commitment

Research Committed to Helping Children and Their Families

Our doctors and scientists are devoted to researching new ways to treat complex pediatric medical conditions. This team is committed to finding treatments to help children live healthy, independent lives and reach their full potential.

Researcher in the lab

We Understand the Unique Medical Needs of Children

We provide vital, pioneering treatment from birth to age 18. Here, children have the opportunity to be evaluated and treated by doctors recognized as the best by their peers.