Swedish Medical Center Program
Location:
Seattle, WASpecialty:
Sports medicine (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1275412128The Swedish Sports Medicine Program offers a unique ACGME-accredited sports medicine fellowship that combines training from both family medicine and physical medicine graduates. This program accepts one fellow from each specialty annually, making it one of the rare combined sports medicine fellowships in the country. The fellowship facilitates a collaborative environment among fellows, promoting multidisciplinary learning from both family medicine and physiatry faculty, which enriches the overall training experience in sports medicine 1.
Fellows gain access to high-quality resources through the Swedish Family Medicine Cherry Hill residency program, which is affiliated with the University of Washington. This association allows fellows to utilize a renowned health sciences library along with a broad range of online and on-campus resources, ensuring comprehensive learning opportunities 1.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is structured into 12 one-month blocks, where two rotations are undertaken concurrently each month. This format includes practical experience within Seattle University training rooms, where fellows work directly with NCAA Division I student-athletes 4. They engage in rehabilitation processes, fostering skills that are not commonly offered in other sports medicine programs. The fellowship underscores the importance of academic research, with an emphasis on didactics and journal clubs designed to deepen clinical skills and knowledge in sports medicine 4.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows will experience various rotations that include:
- Continuity Clinic: Involves multiple weekly sessions at the Swedish Musculoskeletal Center, working concurrently with selected specialties.
- Sports Coverage: Assignments with Seattle University's athletic teams and coverage during significant sporting events and tournaments.
- Orthopedic Specialties: Block rotations focusing on shoulder, knee, foot and ankle, spine, hip, hand, and pediatric orthopedic care.
- Medical Imaging: Continuous curriculum covering MSK ultrasound.
- Elective Rotations: Opportunities for additional experience in sports medicine approved by the fellowship director.
During these rotations, fellows are expected to participate in practical sports coverage—providing on-site medical support for various high-profile teams and events, including professional sports franchises such as the Seattle Storm and Seattle Sounders 4.
Research and Scholarly Activities
Fellowship participants are encouraged to engage in research through producing academic projects, attending national conferences, and presenting at sports medicine didactics. This academic rigor is supported by a substantial didactic series and journal club, which aids in developing critical thinking and clinical skills 4.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
Currently, the program does not provide visa sponsorship for international applicants. This creates a competitive environment, as the fellowship only accepts one family medicine applicant and one physical medicine & rehabilitation applicant each year 5. Applicants should have completed relevant residency programs to be considered for acceptance into the fellowship.
Application Requirements
The application entails several components, including:
- A completed ERAS application
- Three letters of recommendation, one from the residency program director
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Copy of USMLE/COMLEX transcript
- Medical school diploma and transcripts
- Certificate or validation of previous training
- Proof of current state medical licensure
All applications are evaluated carefully, and candidates are selected based on various qualifications, experiences, and their fit within the program's collaborative environment 3.
Living in Seattle
Fellows are located in Seattle, a vibrant city characterized by its outdoor appeal and cultural diversity. Surrounded by natural beauty, including lakes and mountain ranges, fellows can enjoy a range of activities, from arts and sports to outdoor pursuits, making their fellowship experience both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling 2.
Core Faculty
The program boasts a faculty team experienced in sports medicine and committed to providing comprehensive education and mentorship to fellows. Core faculty members are board-certified, holding Certificates of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, and contribute to a rich learning environment through their dedication to teaching and valuable clinical practices 6.
Website
Director
Michael Erickson, MDProgram Director Appointed Since August 2015Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,500First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Seattle, WA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Seattle, WA
- Climate: Seattle has a mild, temperate climate with relatively cool and wet winters and warm, dry summers. It's known for its frequent rainfall and overcast skies.
- Population: Seattle has a diverse population with significant Asian, Hispanic, and African American communities.
- Safety: Seattle has a moderate crime rate compared to other U.S. cities of similar size. The city is generally considered safe, but like any urban area, caution should be exercised, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Cost of Living: Seattle has a high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. However, salaries in the area are generally higher to compensate.
- Education: Seattle is home to a number of prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Washington and Seattle University.
- Activities: Seattle offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and water sports. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, and a wide range of dining options.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia, are relatively close to Seattle. Portland is about 2.5-3 hours away by car, while Vancouver is about 2.5-3.5 hours away depending on traffic.
- Pros: Seattle is a tech hub with a strong job market in various industries, beautiful natural surroundings, a lively food scene, and a strong sense of community.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, and frequent rainfall may be viewed as drawbacks for some individuals.
Interview Questions
