Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

The Pediatric Sports Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City is a comprehensive one-year program that provides training focused on the unique needs of adolescent and youth athletes. Launched in 2016, the program is accredited by ACGME and offers a multifaceted approach to sports medicine, catering to both pediatric and adult athletes through a collaborative partnership with University Health.

The fellowship is situated within a growing Sports Medicine Center that has expanded significantly since its inception in 2010, responding to the rising incidence of sports-related injuries. The center includes a team composed of four primary care sports medicine physicians, two orthopedic surgeons, sports physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, and other dedicated staff. Each year, the center conducts over 8,000 outpatient visits, demonstrating its integration and active role in the local athletic community, which includes providing event coverage for high schools and professional teams like Sporting KC Academy.

Curriculum

The fellowship features a robust academic curriculum that encompasses a variety of didactic learning experiences. Fellows participate in weekly sports medicine didactic sessions, a monthly multidisciplinary sports medicine conference, and pediatric orthopedic Grand Rounds. This structured approach is designed to ensure that fellows are well-versed in the latest clinical practices and research in pediatric sports medicine. Additionally, the fellows have opportunities to attend national conferences, enhancing their professional development and networking potential within the field 1

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The fellowship includes extensive clinical exposure not only in pediatric sports medicine but also in adult sports medicine, thereby providing a well-rounded experience. Fellows participate in game/event coverage across the Kansas City metro area, engaging in activities such as the Kansas City Marathon, Hospital Hill 5K, and coverage for various high school and college athletic programs. These experiences are crafted to cultivate the necessary skills in managing sports injuries and understanding the dynamics of sports participation at multiple age levels.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training. The program provides a professional stipend to support research initiatives, ensuring that fellows can actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge in pediatric sports medicine. Resources such as clinical and research librarians, statisticians, and scientific writers are readily available to assist fellows with their projects. This focus on inquiry is integral to the fellowship’s mission of advancing pediatric sports medicine and ensuring fellows are prepared for the CAQ exam upon completion of their training 2.

Salaries and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive salaries starting at $78,540.80 for PGY 4, and increasing based on the level of training. In addition to a robust salary, fellows receive several benefits, including a $1,500 educational stipend, a $2,250 professional stipend, health and dental insurance with no premiums, and a lifestyle spending account. Importantly, fellows are provided with a hospital-issued laptop or iPad, have access to an on-site fitness center, and enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies. A tuition allowance of $5,250 per year further supports the educational pursuits of fellows during the program 3.

Visa Support

For international applicants, Children’s Mercy primarily accepts J-1 Visa sponsorship through ECFMG. All international fellows must have valid ECFMG certification throughout their training. In certain circumstances, the program may also sponsor H-1B Visas. It is essential for all candidates to be aware that they must have passed Step 3 prior to applying for the fellowship. Changes to immigration status during training require written approval from the GME department to avoid any disruptions in training 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the Pediatric Sports Medicine Fellowship is competitive, requiring candidates to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program. Specific application materials and requirements must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS), and participation in the NRMP match is also necessary. All candidates must have passed the relevant examinations, including Step 3, to be considered for the fellowship. This commitment to a rigorous selection process ensures that only well-qualified and dedicated individuals are selected to train in this specialized field 5.