Key Articles

Foundational papers and must-reads for understanding clinical research. These have shaped how I think about evidence, study design, and the limitations of what we know. Some are open access. For others, check your institution’s library, PubMed Central, or ask your librarian for help tracking down full text.

Foundational Reading

• Ioannidis JP. “Why Most Published Research Findings Are False” (2005).
  • This paper changed how I think about research. It’s a sobering look at why so many studies fail to replicate and how bias, small sample sizes, and flexible analysis can lead us astray. Required reading for anyone who wants to be a critical consumer of evidence.
  • PDF
  • PubMed
• Greenhalgh T. “How to Read a Paper” series (1997).
  • The series I recommend to every student or clinical trainee learning to appraise the literature. Greenhalgh breaks down how to evaluate different study designs in plain language. I still revisit it when teaching.
  • **Subscription or institutional access may be required.**
  • BMJ
  • Book also listed in my Books & Textbooks section.

Orthopaedic Specific

Dowrick AS, Tornetta P, Obremskey WT, et al. “Practical Research Methods for Orthopaedic Surgeons” (2012).

• Written by surgeons for surgeons, this paper makes study design and statistics accessible without dumbing it down. A great starting point for clinicians who want to understand the research they’re reading or design their own studies.
• **Subscription or institutional access may be required.**
• JBJS