University of Virginia Medical Center Program

The University of Virginia Orthopaedic Sports Medicine fellowship program offers an extensive and enriching training environment located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It aims to provide comprehensive education in both operative and non-operative sports medicine treatments. The program primarily serves a diverse patient demographic, including competitive and recreational athletes from local high schools, colleges, preparatory schools, and some professional athletes. This variety allows fellows to encounter a wide spectrum of sports medicine cases, facilitating a comprehensive learning experience.

Fellows in the program become integral members of the sports medicine team and provide coverage for athletic events at the University of Virginia, as well as at James Madison University. In this capacity, fellows gain hands-on experience in the training room, where they can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. They also benefit from operative training under the direct supervision of experienced faculty members, including specialists in orthopaedic surgery.1

Clinical Exposure and Rotations

Fellows receive extensive operative exposure, particularly in arthroscopic and open procedures involving the knee and shoulder, complemented by knee and shoulder replacement surgeries and hip arthroscopies. Additionally, fellows dedicate significant time to collaborating with the Foot and Ankle and Hand Divisions, gaining experience in elbow, wrist, and ankle arthroscopies and reconstructive surgeries. This structured rotation system ensures that fellows develop a broad skill set within the specialty of sports medicine.1

Research Opportunities

A noteworthy aspect of the fellowship is the ample research opportunities available through faculty support. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical, anatomic, and basic science research projects, facilitated by a full-time research coordinator. This structure is designed to maximize the chances of publication throughout the fellowship year, enhancing the fellows' profiles as they consider future career paths in orthopaedics.1

Curriculum and Conferences

The curriculum is robust and incorporates a conference schedule that provides ongoing educational support. Fellows have access to various academic activities, including case presentations, didactic lectures, and grand rounds, which are critical for developing their clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Such an environment cultivates a rigorous academic atmosphere, necessary for deepening knowledge in sports medicine.1

Application Process and Requirements

The University of Virginia Sports Medicine fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program that lasts for a duration of one year (from August 1 to July 31). Applicants are required to have completed an accredited residency program in Orthopaedic Surgery. The application process is facilitated through the San Francisco Match program, requiring candidates to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV), Letters of Good Standing, USMLE/COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation. Important deadlines include an application deadline typically set for early November, with interviews scheduled shortly thereafter.4

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The University of Virginia Sports Medicine fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting numerous qualified applicants. While the program does not specifically target DO candidates or International Medical Graduates (IMGs), it is recognized for being inclusive, allowing applicants from diverse medical backgrounds within the orthopaedic surgery residency framework. Such inclusivity can provide an opportunity for a wide range of individuals to pursue this rigorous training.4

Visa Support

The program supports its international fellows with visa sponsorships, primarily providing assistance with J-1 and H-1B visas. This support is crucial for foreign medical graduates seeking training opportunities in the United States, ensuring their ability to participate fully in the fellowship program.4