Hometown: Johnston, Iowa
Faculty mentor: Brian Wolf, MD, MS, professor, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BS in public health, pre-medicine track; clinical and translational science certificate, May 2025

Ajwad Iqbal’s research aims to explore the factors that affect athletes’ return to play after shoulder stabilization surgery. By examining variables such as the type of sport (contact vs. non-contact), strength, and surgical technique, he evaluates the factors that help athletes return to the same or higher level of sport following shoulder stabilization surgery. Additionally, as part of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability Study, the research team identified predictors of recurrent dislocations. This knowledge is crucial for managing post-operative outcomes and reducing the risk of future shoulder instability.

After graduation, Iqbal plans to attend medical school, where he hopes to explore different fields of medicine and combine his passion for patient care with research. Long-term, he plans to become a physician who advances health care through bench-to-bedside research, directly translating findings into improved treatment strategies for patients.

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