Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) Program

Overview of the Sports Medicine Fellowship

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale is a 12-month program designed to train primary care specialists in the unique aspects of sports medicine. It aims to equip physicians with the necessary skills to maintain competence in their primary field while gaining expertise related to exercising individuals.

Participants in the fellowship will be trained to address the unique needs of athletes and will understand that the term "athlete" includes anyone engaged in physical activity, ranging from recreational to elite levels. The program is sponsored by the SIU Department of Family and Community Medicine and is committed to providing comprehensive care to physically active people of all ages.

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship's curriculum comprises approximately 90% sports medicine, including musculoskeletal care and general medical care, alongside 10% Family Medicine primary care. Education is provided by family medicine staff with sports medicine expertise, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, sports physical therapists, and nutrition and sports psychology specialists from SIU. Fellows will engage in learning experiences that focus on evaluating, treating, rehabilitating, and preventing injuries related to physical activity, along with managing non-musculoskeletal conditions affecting exercise efficacy.

Fellows will also gain practical experience at various educational levels, including high schools, community colleges, and universities. The program includes numerous sideline experiences across different sports events to cultivate competencies similar to those of team physicians, helping them cover mass events and counsel patients on maintaining regular physical activity.

Clinical Experience

The Southern Illinois Sports Medicine Fellowship provides vital medical care to NCAA Division I student-athletes, with over 450 athletes participating in 16 sports within the Missouri Valley Conference. Additionally, the program caters to athletes at surrounding institutions, such as John A. Logan College, a junior college, as well as local high schools and semi-pro teams like the Southern Illinois Miners.

Eligibility and Competitiveness

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be board certified or board eligible graduates of an ACGME-accredited residency program in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Emergency Medicine. This prerequisite ensures a foundational level of competence in primary care, which is crucial for successful specialization in sports medicine.

The program is highly competitive due to its comprehensive training and unique experiences offered. It is friendly to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, fostering an inclusive environment for all potential fellows.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship provides a base salary of $60,060, with total compensation amounting to $75,344, inclusive of moving expenses and educational allowances. In addition to competitive remuneration, fellows are entitled to a range of benefits:

• Malpractice insurance coverage
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for the fellow (with low-cost options for dependents)
• Term life insurance equivalent to the annual salary
• Disability insurance
• Professional dues for membership in organizations such as AAFP, IAFP, ACSM, or AMSSM
• Three weeks of vacation/sick leave
• Two educational meetings yearly, not exceeding 10 days

Visa Support

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at SIU Carbondale offers sponsorship for specific visa types, primarily for international medical graduates seeking training in the United States. The program typically supports J-1 visas, allowing qualified applicants from abroad to gain experience in the U.S. healthcare system while participating in the fellowship.