Texas Tech University HSC El Paso Program

Program Overview

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers a comprehensive Sports Medicine Fellowship within its Family Medicine residency program. This fellowship is designed to cultivate a deep understanding and proficiency in sports medicine, specifically tailored to the needs of athletes. The primary goal of the program is to enrich fellows through diverse educational experiences in various sports medicine environments, equipping them with the skills necessary for the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of sport-related injuries and illnesses 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is structured around longitudinal rotations that last three months, providing fellows with hands-on experience within the Texas Tech system as well as community collaborations. These rotations encompass multiple disciplines, including orthopaedic surgery, radiology, physical therapy, hand surgery, podiatry, and pediatric orthopaedics, ensuring that participants receive a well-rounded education in sports medicine 4.

One distinctive feature of this fellowship is the Ski Medicine Rotation, where fellows spend two weeks in Park City, Utah. During this rotation, fellows gain experience in managing acute winter sports-related injuries and addressing environmental challenges associated with skiing 4.

Didactics and Conferences

Fellows engage in weekly didactics on Thursday mornings, focusing on topics that align with the CAQ examination outline. Additionally, quarterly journal clubs enhance collaborative learning, and fellows are expected to present educational lectures to Family Medicine residents. Participation in conferences, specifically the AMSSM Annual Conference, is also a required component, which includes the preparation of at least one case abstract 4.

Athletic Coverage Experience

A unique component of the fellowship involves athletic coverage, where fellows serve as team physicians for various athletes from high schools to NCAA Division 1 and professional levels. This real-time experience is critical in developing skills necessary for on-site and mass participation event management. Fellows also learn about race medical planning through involvement with race medical directors 2.

Geographical and Cultural Context

The fellowship is based in El Paso, Texas, a vibrant city located at the intersection of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. This cultural confluence presents a unique environment for fellows to understand the diverse population and specific health needs of athletes in this region 5.

Salary and Benefits

As for financial compensation, fellows receive a salary of $65,138.66 for the 2024-2025 year, with monthly distributions of $5,428.22. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, along with malpractice coverage, 20 days of paid vacation, a CME allowance, and a lab coat with laundry service provisions 7.

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by October 1 of the application year. Candidates should be residents in good standing or graduates of an ACGME-accredited residency in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics. Required application materials include a personal statement, three letters of reference (one from the residency program director), transcripts from medical school, and USMLE scores. For international medical graduates, ECFMG certification is also necessary 6.

The program is known to be competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, reflecting a commitment to fostering a diverse fellowship community 6.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants, including H-1B and J-1 visa types, facilitating entry for those who meet the criteria for participation in this fellowship.