Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a one-year fellowship program accredited by the ACGME. This program is designed for physicians who aspire to provide high-quality care for athletes across a range of settings, including clinics, procedures, and onsite coverage at sporting events. The fellowship offers a combination of experiences in both pediatric and adult sports medicine, working alongside specialists in surgical and non-surgical fields to cover all aspects of musculoskeletal care.

One of the standout features of the fellowship is the involvement of CAQ board-certified faculty from multiple specialties, such as family medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. This diversity ensures that fellows develop a broad understanding and become proficient in various clinical practices within the realm of sports medicine 1.

Program Overview

Fellows within the program engage in a well-rounded educational experience that emphasizes non-operative sports medicine. Candidates must be board-eligible or board-certified graduates from accredited residency programs in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. As the fellowship participates in the NRMP match, it provides a structured pathway for applicants seeking training in this specialized area of medicine.

Clinical education focuses on a diverse range of sports-related injuries and conditions, with fellows gaining exposure to athletes of all ages, from recreational participants to professional athletes. Key clinical sites for the fellowship include clinics at Children’s Wisconsin, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Practical educational opportunities include treating injuries directly at sporting events and learning musculoskeletal ultrasound in accordance with AMSSM guidelines 1.

Clinical Training and Coverage

The program ensures fellows are well-equipped to handle various levels of athletic participation, providing them with experience in medical coverage for high school, college, and professional events. This includes responsibilities such as serving as team physician for local high schools and coverage for prestigious events like the WIAA State Championships, as well as professional teams such as the Milwaukee Brewers and the US National Men's Sled Hockey team 1.

Academic Opportunities

Fellows receive ample opportunities to engage in academic and research activities, which is crucial for professional development. They participate in conferences such as Grand Rounds, imaging conferences, journal clubs, and specialty-specific meetings. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to take part in peer-reviewed publications and are expected to present at national meetings, like the AMSSM or at the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Symposium 1.

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility for the fellowship requires that applicants have completed an ACGME accredited residency in specific fields, including Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Pediatrics, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The program offers a one-year fellowship that runs from August 1 to July 31. Interested candidates must apply through ERAS, and while the application is separate from the NRMP, registration with the NRMP is required for ranking during the matching process 1.

Benefits

The fellowship provides a competitive stipend, currently listed as $79,810 for the PGY-5 level for the 2024-2025 term. In addition, fellows benefit from a comprehensive package that includes three weeks of paid vacation, and funding for conference attendance 1.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) wishing to pursue this fellowship. This support is critical in ensuring that qualified candidates from a diverse background can find opportunities to train in the United States and contribute to the medical community 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship program is known to be highly competitive. It actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG candidates. The commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is evident through its diverse faculty and training experiences, aimed at enhancing the educational journey of all fellows 1.