Introduction and Background

The Steamboat Foundation is dedicated to mentoring tomorrow's leaders today. Recognizing that early professional experiences and exposure can shape future career success, our mission is to provide outstanding university students with a fully funded opportunity to work side-by-side with influential leaders in a range of high-profile professional fields. Working with leading professionals and organizations on a daily basis, will provide Steamboat Scholars exposure, knowledge and inspiration that has the potential to propel their own career aspirations and achievements to even greater levels.

The Steamboat Foundation was founded in 2003 by Andrew Walter and Peer Pedersen Jr., Managing Partners of Blue Orchid Capital, LLC. Their visions to offer truly unique work experience to exceptional students who might not otherwise have access to influential leaders in their chosen field of interest. Further, the exposure and timing of the experience occurs at a critical juncture in each Steamboat Scholar's personal and professional development. The designation of Steamboat Scholar recognizes the extraordinary talent and accomplishment of the Foundation's recipients.

Grant Partner

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City

Founded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery has been the hospital of choice for countless individuals suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. These include, among others, arthritis and osteoporosis, spine and sports injuries, cerebral palsy and spinal bifida. HSS physicians are highly respected specialists who train at top medical schools and hospitals and are board-certified in their fields. The training, experience and focused specialties of HSS doctors rank them among the most qualified anywhere in the world. HSS has been recognized for its excellent medical care in The Best Hospitals in America, The Best in Medicine, and U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of America's Best Hospitals.

Steamboat Scholar Opportunity

For the first month, the Scholar shadows clinical consultations and observes surgical procedures from the operating room with Dr. David Altchek. Dr. David Altchek is Attending Orthopedic Surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is the Medical Director for the New York Mets and the New Jersey Nets. Dr. Altchek serves as the North American Medical Director for the Association of Tennis Professionals, which sponsors the men's professional tennis tour. He was the Team Physician for the U.S. Davis Cup tennis team from 1999 to 2003. Dr. Altchek is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and the author of over 100 articles, publications in referred medical journals and book chapters on problems of the shoulder, elbow and knee. For the remainder of the internship, the Scholar shifts focus to participate in a clinical research project. During the internship period, the Steamboat Scholar is subject to Hospital for Special Surgery's employee rules.

Scholar Experiences

2009 Steamboat Scholar Chase McCaleb had the opportunity to work at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Altchek.  On clinic days, he learned how to examine patients, read MRIs and, most importantly, how to help athletes deal with the trauma of being hurt.  Though this alone would have been a great experience, he was also allowed to observe ove 100 hours of Dr. Altchek's surgeries.  Chase was also given the opportunity to research and design a screening protocol that checks for risk factors of ACL injuries in athletes, which he then presented in front of the Sports Service Department at HSS. In addition to his work with Dr. Altchek, the highlight of Chase's summer was actually hanging out with the other Scholars.  From the Life maps during orientation to a camping trip that several of the Scholars went on in New Hampshire to the final dinner festivities, every moment spent with this eclectic and entertaining group was amazing for Chase.

2008 Steamboat Scholar Swarup Swaminathan shadowed Dr. David Altchek and Dr. Bernard Rawlins, a spinal surgeon, which expanded his understanding of the different fields within orthopedics. He also conducted an original research study on the concomitant elbow injury of a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and flexorpronator tendon in baseball players. Swarup presented the results of this study to the Sports Medicine Service at HSS and is working towards submitting these findings for publication.

2007 Steamboat Scholar Ben Nwachukwu observed over one hundred hours of surgery in the Operating Room and learned how to interpret diagnostic signs on MRI's and X-rays during patient consultations in the office.

2006 Steamboat Scholar Aya Michaels conducted research on the higher incidence of ACL injuries in female athletes. She was later given the opportunity to present it to a group of doctors and other healthcare professionals during a series of medical presentations.

2005 Steamboat Scholar Cindy Gao participated in two clinical studies, the first a continuation of 2004 Scholar Dean Arnaoutakis's research studying adhesive capsulitis treatment and the second evaluating total hip replacements as treatment of chronically dislocated hips in patients with cerebral palsy.

2004 Steamboat Scholar Dean Arnaoutakis shadowed Dr. David Altchek and researched adhesive capsulitis treatment and sternoclavicular dislocations.

Grant Specifics  

• Steamboat Foundation gives a $12,000 award to the selected Steamboat Scholar for the period of May 31 to August 14, 2009. Payments are made in three installments throughout the summer.
• The program requires the Scholars to live together in dorms at the New School in Manhattan during the internship period. Scholars are given preferential rates and are expected to use a portion of their award to meet this housing requirement.
• As part of the program, the Scholar must participate in all Steamboat related events, including: A two-day orientation on June 1 and 2, 2009 with other Steamboat Scholars Opening reception on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2009 Two to three Foundation Dinners with distinguished guests throughout the summer, including at least one trip to Boston Bi-weekly Leadership Dinners with facilitator Dr. Tom Inck
• Scholars are required to submit final documentation, including a Final Essay and Evaluation to receive their final award payment.

Application Procedures/Deadlines

Candidates must complete an application form Steamboat application 2010.pdf and submit it with a cover letter to the contact information listed below. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications are due by 5 pm Friday, January 29, 2010.

Do not submit applications directly to Steamboat Foundation.