The Clinical Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Education and Training (COMET) Program (an NIH-funded T32) is intended to train highly qualified pre- and post-doctoral trainees in rigorous clinical research methodology to address pressing problems relating to orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders. Trainees apply a range of methodologies, including epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, pharmacoepidemiology, biomechanics, policy modeling, and behavioral research, to better understand orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders in humans. Orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders encompass orthopedic surgical interventions and a wide range of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal disorders, regional musculoskeletal disorders, tendon, ligament and other soft tissue conditions, and musculoskeletal pain.