Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive and unique training experience focused on preparing physicians to provide expert care for athletes and individuals engaged in sports and exercise. This one-year program emphasizes a balance between primary care and specialized sports medicine, allowing fellows to hone their skills in a variety of settings while working closely with leading professionals in the fields of sports medicine and orthopedics.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is designed to develop clinical competencies essential for diagnosing and managing medical issues related to sports and exercise. Fellows engage in a broad range of clinical experiences, including:

• Pre-participation evaluations.
• Injury prevention strategies.
• Management of acute and chronic sports injuries.
• Physical therapy rehabilitation modalities.
• Ultrasound-guided joint injections and PRP therapy.
• Concussion management and ECG interpretation for athletes.

Additionally, fellows are involved in planning and providing coverage for mass sporting events, taking on roles such as team physicians for local, collegiate, and professional teams in Indianapolis, which houses the NCAA headquarters.

Clinical Experience and Rotations

During the training year, fellows are exposed to diverse clinical settings. They collaborate with sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, musculoskeletal radiologists, sports dietitians, and psychologists to ensure a comprehensive approach to athlete care. Each fellow will participate in multiple nationally recognized sporting events held in Indianapolis, including marathons and high school championships, which offers invaluable real-world experience.

Furthermore, the program includes dedicated time in musculoskeletal radiology, ensuring that each fellow not only gains practical skills but also understands the intricacies of sports-related injuries at a diagnostic level.

Teaching and Didactic Components

As part of their education, fellows are expected to engage in teaching. They deliver lectures and workshops for medical students, residents, and orthopedic sports medicine staff. Didactic sessions, held weekly, focus on preparing fellows for the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine, encompassing advanced sports medicine topics and procedural skills, including an ultrasound component aligned with the recommended competencies by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a critical aspect of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to undertake community service activities and develop a personal research project within the realm of sports medicine. The fellowship provides robust support from the Department of Family Medicine, including dedicated research staff to aid in project development. Opportunities for scholarly presentation at national conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals are actively promoted.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed a residency in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine/Pediatrics. The program insists on a competitive selection process, with specific application requirements aiming at selecting the best candidates. The program is generally considered DO/IMG friendly, making it accessible to a diverse pool of applicants. It does not usually accept candidates who have failed the USMLE Step or COMLEX exams more than twice.

The application process involves submission through the ERAS system, with stipulated timelines for interviews and matching. The fellowship also provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, confirming its commitment to international medical graduates seeking training in the United States.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary approach, integrating various healthcare specialists to deliver comprehensive sports medicine care. The program’s location in Indianapolis, a hub for sporting events and activity, further enhances the learning experience with practical involvement in high-profile events.

Stipends and Benefits

Fellows enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package that includes coverage for health insurance, continuing medical education opportunities, and professional development opportunities that empower them to advance in their medical careers.