Cone Health Program

The Cone Health Sports Medicine Fellowship is a distinguished educational program dedicated to training primary care physicians in the specialized field of sports medicine. The program is designed with three primary goals: to provide excellent sports medicine education, to utilize advanced evidence-based protocols and diagnostic tools such as musculoskeletal ultrasound for superior patient care, and to serve the community by covering various sports programs in North Carolina's Piedmont region. Since its inception, more than 70 fellows have been trained in essential skills to practice sports medicine.

Fellows in this program are expected to gain clinical, academic, and teaching skills, thereby preparing them for diverse career paths in sports medicine. Each fellow has the unique opportunity to follow their collegiate and high school teams, enhancing their practical experience in real-world clinical settings. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to attend and present at esteemed national conferences, including the Advanced Team Physician Course and the annual meeting of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), where they often achieve recognition for their research and case presentations.

Application Process

The application for the Cone Health Sports Medicine Fellowship is facilitated through the NRMP match process and adheres to ACGME standards. Applications are received from July to mid-September, with specific requirements such as an ERAS application, copies of USMLE or COMLEX, ECFMG certification, a medical school diploma, a current medical license, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation (including one from the program director). Additionally, strong applications are prioritized due to limited interviews.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum encompasses a balanced experience with components in primary care sports medicine, orthopedics, and preventive medicine. Key scheduling elements include four half-days in an orthopedic office, two half-days in the Sports Medicine Center (where fellows run their own clinic), and additional exposure to various clinical settings, including the Student Health Sports Medicine Clinic, didactics, and urgent care shifts. Procedures such as joint injections, casting, and musculoskeletal ultrasound are integral, with fellows expected to achieve proficiency in over 300 diagnostic ultrasounds.

Elective Opportunities

Fellows are provided with ample opportunities for elective rotations, allowing for tailored experiences in specific interests such as hand surgery, cardiology, radiology, and nutrition. This flexibility fosters a well-rounded educational experience within sports medicine.

Training Sites

Fellow training occurs primarily at the Cone Health Sports Medicine Center and encompasses other locations, including a primary care/urgent care office and college training rooms. This exposure enables an authentic understanding of the sports medicine landscape within community and academic settings.

Faculty Excellence

The program boasts an accomplished faculty with extensive experience in sports medicine. Graduates report feeling well-prepared for various practice settings, underscoring the robust mentorship and training received throughout the fellowship.

Research and Academic Engagement

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research initiatives, strengthening their academic profiles and enhancing the fellowship's overall scholarly output. Regular participation in local and national conferences supports fellows in presenting their work and collaborating with peers.

Community Involvement

Part of the program’s mission involves community service, where fellows often work at sports events and clinics, providing care and gaining valuable experience managing real-time sports injuries.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Cone Health Sports Medicine Fellowship offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. It is essential to highlight the program's competitive nature; although it welcomes applications from DO and IMG candidates, applicants are encouraged to exhibit a solid commitment to sports medicine through previous relevant experiences. Previous successful completion of Family Medicine or an equivalent residency is a prerequisite.

Living in Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina, is a thriving city known for its favorable living conditions. Residents enjoy mild winters, vibrant seasonal transitions, and a supportive educational environment due to the presence of several universities. This appealing lifestyle contributes to the program's ability to attract fellows from across the country, many of whom choose to remain in North Carolina post-graduation.