University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine fellowship program is a one-year ACGME accredited program based at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. This unique fellowship provides an opportunity for physicians to specialize in sports medicine with a focus on a comprehensive understanding of orthopaedics in an athletic context.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide fellows with extensive exposure to sports medicine, allowing for hands-on experience in outpatient clinical settings, inpatient care, and direct involvement with teams. The fellowship structure ensures that the fellow is integrated within a high-volume practice and has opportunities for academic pursuits.

The primary facilities include the state-of-the-art Lennar Foundation Medical Center, which opened in December 2016, along with access to the resources available at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The combined affiliations make it the ideal environment for immersive learning and patient care.1

Clinical Responsibilities

In this role, fellows will anchor sports medicine services and work directly alongside residents from the Jackson Memorial Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. The fellow is expected to manage patient care across various clinical settings, including family practice and sports medicine clinics.1

Moreover, fellows are responsible for the medical needs of athletes from the University of Miami’s athletics program and the Miami Marlins, ensuring that they gain experience in dealing with injuries prevalent in both collegiate and professional athletics.1

Rotational Structure

The experience is meticulously structured with a focus on diverse clinical exposure, including:

• 56% knee arthroscopy/ACL procedures
• 22% shoulder/elbow arthroscopy
• 10% open shoulder/elbow reconstruction/arthroplasty
• 9% open knee reconstruction/osteotomy/cartilage restoration
• 3% foot/ankle/leg surgeries

This case breakdown ensures fellows gain proficiency in the most relevant surgical and non-surgical interventions required in sports medicine.1

Didactic Learning

Education is a key component, with a structured weekly didactic schedule. This includes:

• Monday – Sports Curriculum Conference
• Tuesday – Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology Conference
• Friday – Case Presentations and Review

Research Opportunities

Fellows are given dedicated time for research endeavors, including:

• Participation in Clinical Outcomes research at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
• Biomechanical studies at the Max Biedermann Institute
• Motion analysis experiments in collaboration with the University of Miami's Department of Kinesiology/Sport Sciences

Opportunities to publish research and present at national conferences are integral parts of the fellowship experience, fostering an environment of academic inquiry and professional growth.1

Teaching and Mentorship

Teaching experiences involve working closely with faculty members who are leaders in various sub-specialties of sports medicine. Monthly journal club sessions provide an opportunity to critically analyze and discuss recent literature, fostering strong analytical skills critical for a successful career in sports medicine.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, and applications are encouraged from a diverse range of candidates, including DOs and IMGs. Applicants should have completed their residency training in an appropriate field, demonstrating clinical competency and a commitment to sports medicine.1

There may be specific requirements such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams depending on the evaluation criteria of the selection committee.

Visa Support

The fellowship offers sponsorship for certain visa types, including J-1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to further their training in the United States. This form of visa support represents a commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the program.

Work-Life Balance

Notably, the fellowship does not impose call or moonlighting responsibilities, which allows fellows to focus entirely on their education and professional development.1

Overall, the University of Miami/Jackson Health System's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine fellowship provides a balanced blend of rigorous clinical training, research opportunities, didactic education, and professional mentorship in a supportive, resource-rich environment.