Loyola Medicine MacNeal Hospital Program

The Loyola Medicine MacNeal Sports Medicine Fellowship is a prestigious training program designed for the development of fellows in the realm of sports medicine within the primary care framework. Located at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois, the program boasts over 30 years of rich history in educating adept sports medicine physicians capable of managing the sports-related health needs of individuals across all levels of competition.

Program Overview

This one-year fellowship aims to develop skills in evaluating, treating, rehabilitating, and preventing activity-related injuries. The graduates emerge from the program with the comprehensive knowledge necessary to serve as effective team physicians, manage mass participation events, and provide essential health consultations to patients engaging in physical activities.

Fellows are expected to have completed accredited residency training in specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. Annually, the fellowship welcomes two fellows, fostering a more personalized educational environment.

Clinical Rotations and Experiences

Fellows engage in diverse clinical experiences that encompass essential specialties in sports medicine. Rotations occur at various esteemed sites including the Center for Sports and Performance at MacNeal Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center, among other locations. Key rotations include:

• Primary care sports medicine
• Orthopedic sports medicine
• Hand surgery
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Upper extremity orthopedics
• Women's health
• Interventional pain management
• Musculoskeletal radiology

These experiences support a well-rounded approach to sports medicine, bridging General Medicine with specialized care.

Team and Event Coverage

A significant aspect of the fellowship is the hands-on experience fellows receive by covering various teams and athletic events. This includes serving as the primary team physician for local high schools, collegiate athletes, and large-scale events such as the Chicago Marathon. Such experiences ensure graduates are fully prepared to undertake responsibilities expected of a sports medicine physician, enhancing their practical knowledge in real-world settings.

Research Opportunities

Research is a core component of the fellowship, with fellows expected to delve into a particular subject matter resulting in a publication-worthy project or presentation. Participation is encouraged at major symposiums, including the AMSSM Fellows Research Conference, fostering a culture of scholarly activity and academic engagement.

Unique Educational Experiences

The program places a strong emphasis on educational growth through weekly sports medicine conferences, funded continuing medical education (CME), teaching responsibilities, and opportunities for engagements with family medicine residents and medical students. Fellows can benefit from mentorship and varied instructional roles, enhancing their expertise and educational experience.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The MacNeal Sports Medicine Fellowship actively supports visa applications for international medical graduates, typically providing sponsorship for J-1 visas. The program is known for being competitive but remains welcoming to diverse applicants, including DOs and IMGs, facilitating an inclusive atmosphere for fellowship candidates.

Application Guidelines

To be considered for the MacNeal Sports Medicine Fellowship, applicants should submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the NRMP match process. There may be specific prerequisites concerning years of graduation and acceptable STEP examination attempts; applicants are advised to prepare accordingly.

Benefits and Leave Policies

Fellows enjoy numerous benefits, including malpractice, medical, and dental insurance. The fellowship also provides three weeks of vacation annually, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic. In addition, five days of educational leave are allotted each year, allowing fellows to pursue conferences and educational advancements effectively.