Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Program
Location:
Augusta, MESpecialty:
Sports medicine (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1272212168The Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Program in Sports Medicine offers a comprehensive fellowship designed for training physicians in sports medicine, particularly in a rural setting. The program is unopposed, providing a unique environment for hands-on learning with opportunities to practice in Augusta and Waterville, Maine.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum integrates various facets of sports medicine, including acute care, community wellness, and educator roles. Fellows engage in high volumes of outpatient care, focusing on athletes from various backgrounds, primarily amateur and recreational participants. The curriculum emphasizes flexible educational experiences, allowing tailoring based on each fellow's prior knowledge and professional goals. Fellows participate actively in sports medicine care delivery, benefiting from mentorship and supervision while developing competencies in clinical decision-making and procedural skills 1.
Rotations and Clinical Exposure
Fellows experience diverse clinical settings, which include:
- Acute Sports Medicine Care: The experience is integrated at MaineGeneral Orthopaedics, with fellows providing direct care to a high volume of patients.
- High School Athlete Care: Each fellow serves as the primary point of contact for high schools, providing weekly training room coverage and events management.
- College Athlete Care: Close collaboration with local colleges allows for sideline coverage and health center responsibilities at Colby College and Thomas College.
- Mass Participation Events: Fellows cover significant events like the Ironman 70.3 Maine and the Beach to Beacon 10K, providing essential medical care under professional guidance 1.
Didactic and Educational Components
The program includes a structured didactic curriculum featuring:
- Friday Morning Lecture Series: A monthly series focusing on critical sports medicine topics.
- Ultrasound and Radiology Didactics: Regular workshops enhance practical skills in imaging techniques applicable to sports medicine.
- Journal Clubs: Biweekly discussions facilitate collaborative case reviews and evidence-based practice among peers.
- Dedicated Anatomy and Physical Therapy Sessions: Monthly engagements are organized aimed at didactic learning for fellows 3.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Fellows participate in scholarly activities including case presentations at national conferences. They are required to attend three professional conferences each year, with expectations of sharing research or clinical cases at these events 7.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The noteworthy aspects of the Maine-Dartmouth Sports Medicine Fellowship include:
- Two-Week Rotation at Killington Mountain Clinic: This intensive exposure helps fellows manage common acute injuries unique to sports settings.
- Mass Participation Event Coverage: Participation in significant community events fosters teamwork and applied practice in high-pressure scenarios.
- Passionate Faculty: The program features a dedicated team of faculty members, each bringing diverse expertise and enthusiasm, enriching the educational experience 1.
Training Sites
The fellowship operates primarily from two key training sites:
- MaineGeneral Orthopaedics - Augusta: This center provides extensive resources for sports injury management and rehabilitation.
- MaineGeneral Orthopaedics - Oakland: Offers outpatient services and collaborative care across orthopaedic specialties ratioed to a sports medicine practice 4.
Visa Support
The program accepts candidates with J-1 visas for international medical graduates but does not support H-1B visa sponsorship. This aspect makes the fellowship accessible for a broader range of candidates globally 8.
Application Process and Competitiveness
The Maine-Dartmouth Sports Medicine Fellowship is competitive. The program accepts applications from candidates who have completed residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. Successful applicants typically hold valid medical licensure in Maine before the appointment. The program is very DO and IMG friendly, aiming to recruit diverse backgrounds within its fellows.
Living and Practicing in Maine
The fellowship's location in central Maine offers residents a blend of both professional opportunities and a lifestyle enriched with outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Living conditions are reported to be favorable, with many scenic locations and recreational offerings throughout the year 9.
Website
Director
Christopher J Lutrzykowski, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2013Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$71,023First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Augusta, ME 04330
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Augusta, ME
Augusta, ME, offers residents a suburban feel with a mix of rural charm. Here are some key aspects of living in Augusta:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Augusta has a crime rate slightly below the national average, making it a relatively safe place to live.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating in the nearby lakes and rivers. The city also has parks, museums, and cultural events to explore.
- Climate: Augusta experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy a variety of weather throughout the year.
- Races and Population: The population of Augusta is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities contributing to the community's vibrancy.
- Education: Augusta is home to the University of Maine at Augusta, providing educational opportunities for residents of all ages.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Augusta is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, making it an attractive option for residents looking for a balance of quality of life and affordability.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Augusta is located about 1.5 hours away from Portland, ME, and 2.5 hours away from Boston, MA, by car. Residents can easily access these bigger cities for additional entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse recreational opportunities, and proximity to larger cities for more amenities.
- Cons: Cold winters may not be suitable for everyone, limited nightlife compared to bigger cities.