Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a comprehensive, accredited graduate medical curriculum designed for graduates completing an orthopaedic surgery residency. This program is structured to provide a robust educational experience spanning 12 months, starting on August 1 and concluding on July 31 of the following year. It encompasses a wide array of sports orthopaedic surgical experiences, particularly focusing on disorders of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

Upon completion of the fellowship, participants are expected to achieve competency in both basic and complex reconstructive surgeries related to the shoulder and knee, alongside exposure to soft tissue reconstruction techniques pertinent to the elbow and ankle. Additionally, fellows will learn cartilage repair methods for the knee, shoulder, and ankle, further enhancing their skills in a crucial area of sports medicine.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum incorporates hands-on experiences in various surgical techniques, including but not limited to:

• Ankle instability reconstruction
• Ankle arthroscopy
• Elbow arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction
• Knee ligamentous reconstruction (including ACL, PCL, LCL, MCL, and PLC)
• Knee cartilage transplantation and repair
• Shoulder surgical procedures such as arthroscopy and instability reconstruction

This comprehensive surgical exposure is complemented by team coverage experience with both professional and collegiate sports teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Tech athletic teams.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a vital component of the fellowship experience. Upon arrival, fellows discuss research topics and select projects based on personal interest, often in collaboration with sports medicine faculty members. The program encourages fellows to design and implement research projects aimed for presentation at national meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Facilities dedicated to research, such as a biomechanics laboratory equipped with an Instron machine, offer fellows a conducive environment for study. Resources also include access to the Emory Health Sciences Library, ensuring that fellows can support their research endeavors effectively.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

The fellowship is structured to provide extensive clinical exposure, with medical staff covering a range of athletic organizations at multiple levels, from high schools to collegiate programs. This variety creates a diverse clinical volume, allowing fellows to encounter and treat various sports medicine pathologies throughout their training.

Fellows will participate in weekly surgical experience within a busy orthopaedic department, which involves 25 to 30 surgeries and approximately 200 clinic visits weekly. This hands-on experience is critical for developing surgical and patient management skills in sports medicine.

Professional Development

The Emory Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship is committed to the professional development of its fellows. Opportunities for education include:

• Weekly Grand Rounds
• Monthly Sports Medicine Journal Club
• Sports Science Research Group meetings
• Orthopaedic Core Curriculum sessions

These activities foster collaboration and learning among fellows, staff, and faculty, ensuring that participants remain engaged with current practices and innovations in sports medicine.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process adheres to the San Francisco Match protocol. Prospective fellows must submit letters of recommendation, including at least one from their Department Chair and another from their Sports Medicine Section Chief. No additional materials are required, and applicants should verify application deadlines on the program website.

Specific eligibility criteria may include a recent graduation year from medical school; however, further details must be confirmed during the application process. Prospective candidates should note the competitive nature of the fellowship, emphasizing the importance of strong letters of recommendation and relevant experience.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program recognizes the importance of inclusivity and offers support for international medical graduates. Various visa types may be sponsored, including J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the opportunity for diverse candidates to apply. This approach underscores the program's commitment to attracting a broad spectrum of highly competitive applicants.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows in the Emory Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship receive a competitive salary equivalent to a PGY-6 level. In addition, the program provides a comprehensive health insurance and benefits package. Fellows are entitled to two weeks of paid vacation per year, and they may attend one professional conference annually, with additional opportunities if they present research or papers.