Old Dominion University Program

The Sports Medicine Fellowship program at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University provides a rigorous and comprehensive training experience for clinicians looking to develop their skills in musculoskeletal and sports medicine. The fellowship is designed to cultivate proficiency in diagnosing and managing sports-related injuries, with fellows participating in training across multiple facilities and clinical settings.

Training Facilities

The fellowship offers a diverse range of training locations, including:

• Hofheimer Hall: Located on the Old Dominion University campus, this facility houses the Ghent Family Medicine and serves as the main site for Sports Medicine clinics and didactics.
• Maryview Medical Arts Building: Situated in Portsmouth, VA, this building is adjacent to Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. The fellow participates in Sports Medicine clinics at this location as well.
• Old Dominion University: Hosting a variety of athletic events, fellows cover NCAA Division I football and basketball games, providing firsthand experience in a collegiate sports medicine environment.
• Norfolk State University: Fellows will assist with the Division I football program and have the option to cover other athletic events as required.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical experiences, ensuring fellows engage in longitudinal rotations at both primary care and orthopedic sports medicine clinics. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Rotations in orthopedic surgical subspecialties, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal radiology.
• Coverage of athletic events, including high school football and local marathons, providing exposure to a wide range of sports medicine scenarios.
• Regular didactic sessions focused on board exam preparation, sports medicine clinics, and hands-on ultrasound training.
• A requirement to cover at least one mass event, enhancing the fellow's capabilities in large-scale sports management.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the fellowship is competitive and requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key eligibility criteria include:

• Graduation from an ACGME-accredited residency program in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emergency Medicine, or Pediatrics.
• Applicants must include essential documents such as a recent photograph, a personal statement, a current CV, and at least three letters of recommendation (with one from the Program Director).
• Eligibility to hold a medical license in Virginia is mandatory.

Positions are awarded through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) with one fellow accepted annually, and interviews scheduled in the fall.4

Stipend and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive stipend along with several benefits:

• Stipend Rate: $67,279.76 annually.
• Healthcare Benefits: Includes group health insurance options, dental insurance, and life insurance at no cost to the trainee.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage for medical activities as defined within the training program.
• Leave Policies: Trainees may take three weeks of leave per academic year, with provisions for sick leave, maternity, paternity, and holiday considerations.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) through J-1 exchange visitor visas and will consider H-1B visas based on eligibility requirements. All visa-related processes are managed in accordance with institutional policies and relevant immigration laws.

Competitiveness

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at Old Dominion University is known for being highly competitive. It welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. While there may not be specific policies favoring DO or IMG candidates, the program is committed to evaluating each applicant holistically based on their qualifications and experiences.