Residency Advisor

The Boston University Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship is a prestigious 1-year ACGME-accredited program based in Boston, Massachusetts, offered by Boston Medical Center’s Department of Family Medicine. Established in 2005, this fellowship aims to prepare physicians interested in sports medicine through a comprehensive training experience that encompasses clinical practice, teaching, and scholarship within the field of primary care sports medicine. The program accepts one fellow annually and is open to graduates of accredited residency programs in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. However, the program does not accept applicants from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) backgrounds.

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The primary clinical site for the fellowship is the Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, which provides a diverse array of services including physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition services, and orthopedic surgery. The clinical environment allows fellows to care for a diverse patient population, focusing on delivering exceptional care without exception. The center serves as a training ground for fellows, incorporating extensive experience in sports ultrasound, platelet-rich plasma injections, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy as part of daily clinical practice.

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Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide a broad-spectrum clinical experience, including the coverage of Boston University varsity and club sports, Boston College football, and other mass participation events. Notably, fellows participate as the “first call” physician for athletic trainers at Boston University, quickly immersing them in the complexities and responsibilities of being a team physician. Additional rotation opportunities include:

  • Sports cardiology
  • Orthopedic specialties
  • Pediatric sports medicine
  • Radiology
  • Physical therapy
  • Sports nutrition
  • Sports psychology
  • Killington Ski Resort clinic
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Fellows run weekly training rooms throughout the academic year, engaging deeply with athletes and training staff. Teaching opportunities are abundant, allowing fellows to educate family medicine residents, medical students, and athletic training residents through various didactic sessions.

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Research and Scholarly Activity

The fellowship encourages scholarly work, with fellows participating in research projects, presentations at national and regional conferences, and writing activities. Structured weekly didactics, including journal clubs and review sessions for board certification, further enhance fellows' educational experiences.

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Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, aiming at candidates with a strong commitment to sports medicine. Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. The program does allow International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates to apply, provided they can obtain a medical license in Massachusetts. The application process involves:

  • Submission through ERAS
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • USMLE or COMLEX score report
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Applications are recommended to be submitted by September 1st, with an official deadline of October 1st. Interviews are conducted virtually, with set dates provided to candidates.

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Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants, helping them to secure the appropriate work authorization to participate in the fellowship. Typically, they may sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for medical trainees pursuing education in the United States.

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Benefits and Compensation

Fellows receive a competitive PGY-4 salary along with comprehensive health and dental insurance plans. Additional benefits include disability and life insurance, malpractice coverage, and membership in the residents’ union. Fellows also enjoy vacation time and funding for continuing medical education. Educational allowances are provided to attend prominent conferences such as the AMSSM national conference and the NEACSM regional conference.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

Boston University’s location within a sports-centric city like Boston provides fellows unique opportunities to engage with athletes across various sports disciplines. Their structured program allows for participation in significant sporting events including the Boston Marathon and Ironman competitions, thus enhancing the breadth of the fellows’ experiences.

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This fellowship thoroughly prepares its graduates for future roles as leaders and educators in the field of sports medicine, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of practice environments.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

1 (1 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2005

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

50hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

12hrs

First Year Salary:

$87,850

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

4X

Residents career path:

-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

-

Location

Boston, MA

Population
675,647
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
33

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Boston, MA

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.
  • Fun Activities: Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.
  • Climate: Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.
  • Races and Population: Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.
  • Education: Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.
  • Cost of Living: Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.
  • Pros: Rich history, cultural diversity, top educational institutions, vibrant arts scene.
  • Cons: High cost of living, higher crime rate in certain areas.

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Sports medicine (Family medicine)

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