Residency Advisor

The University of Alabama Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is an ACGME-accredited one-year program dedicated to delivering intensive instruction in sports medicine care. This program is structured to integrate clinical training with educational opportunities, allowing fellows to work collaboratively with various athletic departments and community recreational programs, as well as providing care in the Dr. Bill deShazo Sports Medicine Center at University Medical Center, which is operated by the UA College of Community Health Sciences. Since its establishment in 2009, the fellowship has successfully trained nearly two dozen fellows through a curriculum led by core faculty, who are board-certified family physicians specializing in sports medicine 1.

Fellows receive a comprehensive education that includes a rigorous didactic and clinical curriculum, achieving a 100% passage rate on the Sports Medicine Certification of Added Qualifications (CAQ). Core components of the fellowship entail musculoskeletal ultrasound training, hands-on experience, and detailed documentation of competencies 1. The program provides opportunities for anatomy and cadaver dissection, as well as dedicated time each week focused on exams, procedural skills, and drug testing in sports.

Fellowship Features

Fellowship activities take place within a variety of clinical settings:

  • Fellows work at the Dr. Bill deShazo Sports Medicine Center.
  • Longitudinal experiences allow fellows to gain insights into nutrition, rehabilitation, and radiology.
  • Unique coverage opportunities offered to fellows include participation in UA sporting events, the Alabama State High School Championship events, the Alabama Sports Festival, and local Tuscaloosa sporting events, including adapted athletics and combat sports 1.

The program offers not just educational experiences, but also aims for practical application of skills through work with athletes from various backgrounds, including local high schools and community sports.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $69,345 along with a comprehensive benefits package. Additionally, there is financial support available for Continuing Medical Education activities and professional meetings, further encouraging the continuous professional development of its fellows 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Sports Medicine Fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria which include the need for an unrestricted Alabama Medical License and DEA Certification. This emphasizes the program's commitment to ensuring that fellows are fully qualified and prepared for the rigors of the fellowship experience 1.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is notably competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates, including those from both DO and IMG backgrounds. This makes the program accessible to a range of applicants seeking advanced training in sports medicine 1.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for qualified applicants, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This facilitates the inclusion of international medical graduates in the fellowship, thereby enriching the program's diversity and enhancing the fellowship experience 1.

Overall, the University of Alabama Sports Medicine Fellowship at Tuscaloosa prepares family medicine physicians for a challenging yet rewarding career in sports medicine, boasting comprehensive training, solid support systems, and opportunities for academic growth and practical application.

Website

My Notes

You can write notes and rank programs privately for yourself. Then you can compare
them.

Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

3 (1 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2008

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

12hrs

First Year Salary:

$65,000

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

1X

Residents career path:

-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

1

Location

Tuscaloosa, AL

Population
227,036
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
32

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Tuscaloosa, AL

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Tuscaloosa has a moderate crime rate with efforts towards community safety.
  • Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Tuscaloosa, explore the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art, and attend University of Alabama sports events.
  • Climate: Tuscaloosa has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Races and Population: The population is diverse with a mix of races adding to the cultural richness of the area.
  • Education: Tuscaloosa offers good educational opportunities, including the University of Alabama.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is lower compared to many other cities in the United States.
  • Nearby Bigger Cities: Birmingham, AL is around a 1-hour drive from Tuscaloosa and offers a larger city experience with more amenities.
  • Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, and access to outdoor activities.
  • Cons: Moderate crime rate and limited options for big city entertainment.

Interview Questions

trash icon

Comments

Nearby Programs

Sports medicine (Family medicine)

Other Specialties

References