University of Tennessee Program

The University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic offers a comprehensive 12-month fellowship program in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. This fellowship is designed for candidates who have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited residency in orthopaedic surgery. The program accepts one fellow per year, emphasizing a focused and in-depth educational experience. The fellow will develop knowledge and skills to establish and manage a sports medicine practice catered to various levels of athletes, including recreational, high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

This fellowship provides an opportunity to engage in all facets of primary care sports medicine. This includes understanding and managing illnesses, injuries, operative procedures, and non-operative treatments. Fellows will delve into the pathology and biomechanics associated with athletic injuries and explore the physical and psychological impacts of these conditions. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for clinical and basic science research, supported by facilities and staff within the University of Tennessee's Anatomy and Pathology Department 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

During the fellowship year, fellows are required to undertake at least one research project, anticipated to result in presentations or publications. The commitment to scholarly activity is a vital part of the program, reflecting its dedication to enhancing the field of sports medicine. The fellowship also supports engagement in a Sports Medicine Lecture Series and a Journal Club, facilitating further learning and collaboration 1.

Clinical Experience and Responsibilities

Fellows will engage with several institutions and events for practical experience, including coverage of sporting events and clinics specific to various teams such as the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Baseball), Memphis Showboats (USFL), and Memphis 901 FC (USL soccer). Furthermore, responsibility will include conducting pre-participation exams, managing sports medicine clinics, and working with the education team throughout the fellowship 1.

Application Requirements and Process

Prospective applicants must possess completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in orthopaedic surgery. Specific documents required for application through the SF Match include a completed application, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and a color photo. The application process is competitive, with the fellowship receiving numerous applications annually and only granting one position 2.

Important deadlines include November 1 for the Sports Medicine fellowship application, aligning with the broader application timeline for available positions in various fellowship specialties. Candidates that are not graduates from ACGME or AOA-accredited residency programs fall into the nonqualified category, creating further competition among eligible candidates 2.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship program is highly competitive, and while it does cater to DO applicants and international medical graduates (IMGs), preference is typically given to candidates with U.S. residency experience. The program maintains a rigorous selection process where academic qualifications, board examination scores, letters of recommendation, and overall fit with the team are extensively evaluated 4.

The University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic is committed to supporting eligible fellows with visa sponsorship. The program can support both J-1 and H-1B visa types for international applicants who meet all requirements. This ensures that qualified candidates, regardless of background, have the opportunity to participate in the fellowship 2.

Educational Structure and Conferences

In terms of educational structure, the fellowship integrates mandatory and optional conferences, enhancing both clinical and academic learning. Notable components include:

• Sports Medicine Conference each Tuesday morning, mandatory attendance.
• Core Curriculum Conference held every Monday evening, attendance mandatory.
• Monthly Journal Club where fellows present or discuss recent literature and clinical guidelines.

This structured conference schedule allows for continuous professional development, presenting opportunities for fellows to engage actively in the learning environment 1.