CommonSpirit Mountain Region/St Anthony North Program

The St. Anthony North Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship is an ACGME accredited program designed to train fellows in the comprehensive care of athletes and active individuals, addressing both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions as well as sports-related injuries. The program is particularly noted for its office-based curriculum and emphasis on hands-on clinical education, which begins on the first day of the fellowship with musculoskeletal ultrasound training.

The program offers a varied curriculum that includes both formal teaching and clinical practice. The fellows benefit from a structured musculoskeletal ultrasound curriculum incorporated into their weekly schedule, alongside engaging lectures from various sources including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the AMSSM National Fellow Online Lecture Series. This educational approach is enhanced through collaboration with the Family Medicine Residency program, providing fellows with ample teaching and mentoring experiences.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program provides a diverse clinical experience with exposure to multiple subspecialties, including pediatrics, orthopedics, and concussion management. The fellows collaborate with athletic trainers and physiotherapists, gaining practical experience that can be tailored according to individual interests within sports medicine. This structure facilitates direct interaction with a diverse patient population including athletes from high school, collegiate, and professional sports.

Significant rotations include a pediatric sports medicine rotation, a ski and trauma clinic at various ski resorts, and participation in a multi-disciplinary concussion clinic. The program also includes community-based experiences where fellows cover local sporting events, like the Colfax Marathon, collaborating in planning discussions and gaining practical experience.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the fellowship, with expectations for fellows to complete a project by the end of their year, ideally leading to presentations at national conferences such as the AMSSM annual meeting. This aspect of the program not only fosters academic development but also encourages fellows to engage with current issues in sports medicine and contribute to advancing the field.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The St. Anthony North Sports Medicine Fellowship features unique components that distinguish it from similar programs. Fellows have access to advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound for both diagnostic purposes and therapeutic interventions in their clinical practice. Additionally, the program emphasizes flexibility, allowing fellows to refine their rotations based on personal interests or career aspirations within sports medicine.

The inclusion of exercise physiology training through partnerships with organizations like Colorado State University enhances the fellow's understanding of the role of exercise in health and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the program encourages the participation in mass participation events, refining skills outside the clinical environment.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the fellowship should be graduates from ACGME-accredited residency programs in family medicine. The program is competitive and seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to sports medicine. Special consideration is given to those who have experience in family medicine and a keen interest in the field.

Applicants who require visa sponsorship should note that the program currently does not support such applications, and candidates must be eligible for unrestricted licensure in Colorado. Applicants are encouraged to have a recent graduation date, typically within the last three years, with considerations given for military service.

Training Environment

The St. Anthony North Hospital is well-equipped to support the Sports Medicine Fellowship with modern facilities including dedicated ultrasound units for musculoskeletal imaging. The supportive training environment includes faculty who are deeply invested in the education and development of their fellows, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. As part of the CommonSpirit Health network, fellows benefit from a wide variety of resources and multidisciplinary support, enhancing their training experience.

Visa Support

The program does not sponsor visas; therefore, applicants should possess the ability to secure full, unrestricted licensure in Colorado by the conclusion of their training.

Conclusion

Overall, the St. Anthony North Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship provides a comprehensive, hands-on experience for fellows interested in pursuing a specialization in sports medicine. With a robust curriculum, an emphasis on research, and opportunities for tailored clinical experiences, fellows can expect to graduate highly skilled and well-prepared for careers in sports medicine.