Carolinas Medical Center Program

The Carolinas Medical Center Sports Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive one-year program based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This fellowship is rooted in the Department of Family Medicine and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Launched in July 2005, the program has successfully trained 24 fellows, equipping them with essential skills in sports medicine.

Fellows will experience a vibrant city atmosphere with a youthful, active population, providing ample exposure to a variety of sports and activities. The program is structured to develop practical expertise through direct involvement with high school, NCAA Division I and Division II athletics, and professional teams like the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.

Curriculum

Fellows will collaborate with primary care faculty and nationally recognized orthopedic specialists. The curriculum includes:

• Hands-on experience in sports medicine through various clinics, including orthopedic clinics and primary care sports medicine clinics.
• Direct training in both acute and chronic injury management during game coverage and team responsibilities.
• Opportunities for research, where fellows can develop their own studies or join ongoing clinical trials in concussion management and ortho-biologics.

The fellow's monthly schedule will be designed to ensure coverage of high school teams as well as college-level sports across both Division I and II.

Sports Medicine Rotations

The fellowship includes rotations that enhance the educational experience within sports medicine. These encompass:

• Coverage of high-stakes athletic events such as state championships and marathons, along with regular team practices.
• Engagement with diverse sporting events across various disciplines, including soccer, basketball, and wrestling.
• A focus on procedures such as joint injections, diagnostic imaging including musculoskeletal ultrasound, and participation in ECG interpretation for athletes.

Residents interested in the fellowship can also apply for limited rotations that provide early exposure to sports medicine through primary care clinics and training environments.

Application Process

Applying to the fellowship requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) along with the following documentation:

• Personal statement detailing the applicant's medical career aspirations and interest in sports medicine.
• Three letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors, including one from the residency program director.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV) and USMLE scores.

The fellowship is competitive and primarily seeks graduates from family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, or med/peds residency programs. Candidates with a history in pediatric programs will not be considered due to the nature of the clinical experiences.

Unique Aspects

This fellowship emphasizes a strong involvement in community sports and offers diverse clinical exposure. Highlights include:

• Game coverage for major athletic events and direct supervision from experienced faculty members who are passionate about teaching.
• Participation in concussion management and other advanced practices in sports medicine.
• A focus on personal and professional growth through teaching opportunities and research. The fellowship promotes participation in educational events and conferences.

Charlotte itself provides a rich backdrop for life outside of residency, with a variety of cultural activities, sporting events, and a strong sense of community.

Visa Sponsorship

The program does not currently sponsor visas. It is important for applicants to be aware of this limitation when applying.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, specifically favoring candidates from recognized ACGME-accredited residency programs. Successful applicants typically have a strong commitment to sports medicine as evidenced by prior experiences in athletic settings, volunteer work, or participation in sports medicine-related educational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective applicants often inquire about the program details:

• The fellowship does not accept graduates of pediatric residency programs due to the adult medicine focus of the training.
• Previous fellows have reported a 100% pass rate on the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) exam on their first attempt, indicating the program's effectiveness in preparing fellows for board certification.

This fellowship aims to nurture the development of future leaders in primary care sports medicine, providing the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in the field.