Mercy Health System Program

The Sports Medicine Fellowship Program at Mercy Health System in Janesville offers a comprehensive one-year training program focused on developing clinicians, educators, and leaders in the specialty of sports medicine. The program is ACGME-accredited and specifically designed for physicians who have completed their residency in family medicine.

The fellowship accepts only one fellow each year, creating an intimate and focused training environment. Fellows will rotate alongside three core primary care sports medicine physicians and benefit from the expertise of orthopedic faculty members specializing in hand, shoulder, and sports medicine. This mentorship is vital in fostering a robust learning experience throughout the training year 1.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum utilizes both longitudinal and block rotations, allowing fellows to engage with a wide variety of sports medicine and subspecialty orthopedic conditions. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Direct exposure to three sports medicine clinics located in Janesville.
• Team physician responsibilities including game coverage, concussion management, and medical coverage for various sporting events.
• Integration of musculoskeletal ultrasound as a diagnostic and interventional tool, with a focus on competency development for fellows.
• Involvement in athletics coverage at NCAA Division III sports and numerous high school events.

Fellows are expected to gain substantial hands-on experience managing musculoskeletal complaints and participating in weekly sports medicine didactics. They will also teach residents from the Mercyhealth Family Medicine Residency, further emphasizing the educational role of the fellowship 8.

Core Rotations

The fellowship offers diverse core rotations, including:

• Experience in clinics with primary care sports medicine and orthopedic sports medicine faculty.
• A hand clinic rotation and musculoskeletal radiology insights.
• Advanced diagnostic and procedural ultrasound clinics.
• Exposure to physical medicine and rehabilitation, nutrition, and associated physical therapy disciplines.

Fellows will also engage with community-wide sporting events, enhancing their experience and integrating with the local athletic community 7.

Application Process

The application process for the fellowship is competitive, and candidates must follow specific guidelines:

• Applications are made through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• Required documentation includes a Curriculum Vitae, letters of recommendation (three total, one from the Residency Program Director), medical school diploma, transcript, personal statement, photograph, and USMLE or COMLEX scores.
• Applicants must currently be enrolled in or have completed an ACGME-accredited family medicine residency program.

Once accepted, fellows must obtain an unrestricted Wisconsin medical license and fulfill other requirements such as BLS and ACLS certifications, with reimbursement for licensing expenses provided by the program 2.

Benefits and Salary

The fellowship offers a competitive salary alongside a robust benefits package which includes:

• Relocation assistance (up to $2,500).
• Personal time off totaling 21 days.
• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan options.
• Funding for equipment and licensing fees plus a Continued Medical Education (CME) allowance.

The commitment to providing a supportive and rewarding environment is evident from these benefits 4.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program provides necessary visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, making it accessible for a diverse pool of candidates. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 visas for clinical fellows, allowing for international participation in the fellowship.

In terms of competitiveness, the program is considered highly competitive but is friendly to candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. The focus is primarily on those who have completed training in family medicine, thus streamlining the candidate selection process 3.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty at Mercyhealth is composed of experienced practitioners dedicated to providing exceptional training in sports medicine. They bring a wealth of knowledge from various medical schools and residency programs, ensuring a comprehensive training environment. The collaborative atmosphere between fellows and faculty enriches the overall educational experience, enhancing both clinical skills and professional development 5.