Spokane Teaching Health Center Program

The Spokane Teaching Health Center offers a Sports Medicine Fellowship, which is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed for Family Medicine or Internal Medicine-trained physicians. The fellowship focuses on developing well-rounded primary care and sports medicine physicians who have the expertise to promote physical activity and manage care for active individuals, including athletes of all ages. This program integrates both clinical and academic experiences, ensuring fellows receive comprehensive training pertinent to sports medicine.

Program Overview

Located in Spokane, Washington, the fellowship accepts one fellow per year, providing extensive learning opportunities in various environments. The curriculum emphasizes the evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound, and involvement as team physicians for local sports teams. Graduates who are certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) or American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) can take the examination for a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine upon completion of the fellowship 1.

Clinical Experience

The fellows gain vital experience through diverse training sites, including:

• Providence Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Family Medicine Residency Spokane
• Kaiser Permanente Activity Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Multicare and various specialty practices

Additionally, fellows have opportunities for team coverage with Division I and III universities, notably serving Gonzaga University and multiple local high schools. The fellows also experience professional sports coverage with teams like the Spokane Indians, who have a partnership with the Colorado Rockies.

Event Coverage

Fellows provide medical coverage for significant sporting events such as:

• Coeur d’Alene Ironman Triathlon
• Bloomsday Road Race
• Spokefest

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship curriculum includes:

• Weekly didactics and training on diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Monthly journal clubs to discuss current literature in sports medicine
• Training in osteopathic manipulation techniques

Fellows are also provided with membership and coverage for fees associated with the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) and its annual meeting.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Sports Medicine Fellowship, candidates must possess a degree in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine and must be eligible for ABFM or ABIM certification. Strong candidates often demonstrate a commitment to sports medicine through prior clinical experiences. The program does not have an acceptance period for the 2025-2026 academic year as it is scheduled for discontinuation after the current program cycle ends 2.

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international applicants by providing visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, which is essential for overseas fellows wishing to train in the United States. It is crucial for candidates to consult the program regarding specific requirements and timelines associated with visa applications.

Competitiveness

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at Spokane Teaching Health Center is recognized as a desirable program due to the combined advantages of clinical exposure, extensive training, and the location's unique athletic community. The fellowship aims to guide fellows toward becoming adept and versatile sports medicine practitioners capable of supporting diverse patient populations.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on community engagement and extensive hands-on learning, allowing fellows to participate actively in a variety of case scenarios and environments. This combination of structured training and practical exposure ensures that fellows are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the field of sports medicine 3.