American Sports Medicine Institute (St Vincent's) Program

The Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship program administered by ASMI is located at St. Vincent’s Birmingham. The Fellowship provides an immersive educational experience facilitated by rotating through different services led by experienced faculty. Fellows rotate under Program Director Dr. Jeff Dugas and faculty members Dr. Lyle Cain and Dr. Benton Emblom, thereby gaining exposure to diverse treatment philosophies and surgical techniques 1.

The educational framework of the Fellowship is structured around direct collaboration between the Fellows and faculty, involving them in all aspects of patient care. Fellows dedicate approximately 80 percent of their time in hands-on clinical settings, operating rooms, and rehabilitation facilities 1. They serve as surgical first assistants, participating actively in both pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care, which includes counseling the injured athletes and assisting in surgical procedures.

Clinical Research and Projects

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research, working closely with Matt Ithurburn, PhD, and other ASMI clinical research staff. Every Fellow must complete at least one research project and submit a publishable manuscript as a capstone requirement for the program 1. This emphasis on research ensures that Fellows are well-prepared to contribute to the academic aspects of sports medicine.

Rotations and Responsibilities

Each Fellow is assigned to work with one college and one high school athletic team, providing routine medical care for athletes. Their responsibilities also include conducting pre-participation physicals and attending various educational meetings such as weekly Sports Medicine Conferences and monthly Journal Clubs, which enhance their knowledge and clinical expertise in sports medicine 1. The program frequently invites notable surgeons from around the globe to give lectures, allowing Fellows to broaden their understanding of treatment practices.

Educational Funding and Support

Funding is available for Fellows to attend significant orthopaedic meetings, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). This not only aids in professional development but also helps Fellows immerse in contemporary sports medicine practices 1.

Rehabilitation Protocols

Fellows receive extensive training in state-of-the-art rehabilitation protocols, with guidance from renowned physical therapist Kevin Wilk, DPT. This aspect of training includes post-operative assessments being conducted jointly by physical therapists and physicians, fostering a collaborative approach to patient recovery 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The fellowship operates under the AANA/AOSSM Sports Medicine Match, meaning that all applicants must be board-eligible physicians, eligible for an Alabama medical license, and graduates of either an ACGME or COA accredited orthopaedic residency program in the USA or Canada. Unfortunately, applications from Foreign Medical Graduates cannot be accepted 1. Due to the prestigious nature of the program and its rigorous training, it is regarded as highly competitive; hence, potential candidates are encouraged to ensure they meet all criteria.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 visas, which are essential for international fellows who need to complete their training in the United States. However, the fellowship does not accept applications from international medical graduates due to specific eligibility requirements 1.

Goals of the Fellowship

The primary goals of the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship include offering extensive inpatient and outpatient experiences over the course of a year, enhancing medical knowledge and surgical skills relevant to sports injuries, and nurturing the research skills necessary for academic contributions in the field 1. This dedication to comprehensive training equips fellows with the competencies needed to excel in their future practices.