University of Mississippi Medical Center Program

The Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) offers an extensive and uniquely designed post-doctoral educational experience specifically tailored for physicians who are trained in primary care specialties. Established in 2008, the fellowship is notable for being the sole primary care sports medicine fellowship available in Mississippi, positioning itself among approximately 120 such programs across the United States. This competitive program accepts only one fellow each academic year for a duration of 12 months, commencing on July 1.

The fellowship is structured to accommodate physicians who have completed their residency in various primary care fields, including family medicine, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, emergency medicine, and internal medicine, aiming to secure certification in sports medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum emphasizes a multi-faceted approach that integrates practical experience with educational components. The fellow will mainly operate in the Family Medicine Sports Medicine clinics for 2.5 days each week, dedicating one-half day per week to their specialty and another day to various orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. Importantly, one day each week is allocated for didactic sessions, self-directed learning, and engaging with training room rounds at Millsaps College and local high schools.

Responsibilities and Experience

Fellows in this program are not assigned on-call duties with residents, although they are expected to provide event coverage most evenings. A cap of fewer than 80 working hours per week is enforced, ensuring that fellows receive at least one fully free day each week. The program provides significant exposure to caring for diverse athlete populations, including high school and college athletes, and those involved in professional sports.

Research Opportunities

UMMC promotes a robust research environment where fellows can engage in various projects related to sports medicine. This includes potential collaboration with the Department of Emergency Medicine and participation in relevant clinical trials.

Application Process

Interested candidates must participate in the sports medicine match program via the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program). Registration occurs in the fall of the final year of residency, and applications can be submitted through ERAS, with a strict deadline of October 15 for the application year. Interviews typically take place in November and December, with the match occurring in January.

Visa Support

The program is friendly to international applicants and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, supporting its commitment to a diverse academic environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is classified as highly competitive, primarily accepting graduates from U.S. residency programs. Special application considerations include that candidates should have completed their residency with no more than one failed attempt on the USMLE/COMLEX exams.

Salaries and Benefits

Fellows receive a salary at the PGY-4 level, along with standard benefits, which include 18 days of personal leave and 9 public holidays, including a flexible holiday that can be taken at any time with prior supervisor approval.

Community Engagement

The program emphasizes serving local communities, particularly focusing on inner-city Jackson high schools. Fellows also attend events for local professional teams and major sports events, providing vital medical coverage and gaining experience in both competitive and recreational settings.

Ole Miss Collaboration

A significant aspect of the fellowship is the collaboration with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), which began in 2017. The partnership enables the fellow to engage closely with collegiate athletes participating in various sports, as well as gaining additional insights from shadowing the team physician for the Memphis Grizzlies.