About
The SORE Institute exists to produce meaningful scholarship that improves patient outcomes while supporting the education and development of future orthopedic leaders.
Mission
Advance orthopedic science through rigorous clinical research, mentorship, and education.
Vision
Build a trusted research platform that informs better orthopedic care and broader understanding.
Commitment
Support future leaders through inclusive mentorship, scholarship, and academic collaboration.
Dr. Vani J. Sabesan, MD
Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shoulder & Elbow Specialist, researcher, educator, and mentor. Dr. Sabesan has published more than 140 peer-reviewed articles and has dedicated her career to advancing orthopedic research, improving patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of orthopedic surgeons.
Supporting clinical research, publication, and academic collaboration.
Summer Students
Meet the students who joined our team this summer. Each student contributed to ongoing research projects while developing valuable scientific and professional skills.
Leonardo Eisenhof
Leonardo Eisenhof is a second-year medical student at Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, where he is pursuing his interest in orthopedic surgery and clinical research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Leonardo’s research experience includes serving as a research assistant with the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, where he studied bee wing morphology, as well as contributing to orthopedic research initiatives at Shriners Children’s Hospital Motion Analysis Center. Prior to medical school, Leonardo gained clinical experience as an EMT, medical assistant, and limited-scope X-ray technician at an urgent care facility. Outside of medicine and research, he enjoys music production, basketball, beach volleyball, scuba diving, hiking, and traveling to new countries.
Isabella Merem
Isabella Merem is a second-year medical student at the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, where she is pursuing her interests in orthopedic surgery and clinical research. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in 2024. Isabella’s research experience includes work in sports medicine, joint preservation, spine surgery, biomechanics, and clinical outcomes research. As a member of the Human Bioenergetics Laboratory at the University of Michigan, she investigated the effects of exercise on the pathophysiology and symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Prior to medical school, Isabella gained clinical experience as a certified clinical medical assistant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and as a psychiatric care worker at Michigan Medicine. Outside of medicine and research, she enjoys lifting weights, beach volleyball, soccer, traveling to new countries, trying new Halo Top flavors, and learning to surf.
Maya Behura
Maya is a second-year undergraduate student at Duke University, where she is majoring in Psychology and Global Health on the pre-medical track.
National service across leading orthopedic organizations.
Dr. Vani J. Sabesan has contributed to regional, national, and international orthopedic organizations through board service, committee leadership, research advocacy, and educational initiatives.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Shoulder & Elbow Committee
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
Research & Advocacy Committees
American Orthopaedic Association
Emerging Leaders Program
Florida Orthopaedic Society
Board Member & Program Chair
International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty
Board Member
Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
Professional Leadership & Service