University of Virginia Medical Center Program

Overview of the Sports Medicine Fellowship

The University of Virginia's Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship is designed to equip physicians with the specialized skills needed to manage medical issues associated with sports and exercise. The fellowship aims to cultivate clinical competencies in areas such as injury prevention, acute and chronic illness management, and rehabilitation considerations relevant to athletes of all ages.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of topics essential for a proficient Sports Medicine specialist. Six primary components compose this fellowship:

• Ambulatory care focusing on sports medicine.
• Team physician responsibilities at both high school and collegiate levels.
• Didactic sessions to enhance the fellow’s knowledge base.
• Operative orthopedic surgery exposure.
• Continuity clinic aligned with the fellow's primary residency training.
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound training.

The fellowship's ambulatory sports medicine clinic provides hands-on experience, allowing fellows to conduct pre-participation examinations and to engage in exercise prescriptions tailored to each athlete's unique medical needs. Opportunities for performing joint aspirations, orthotic fabrication, and advanced injury assessments are also included.

Rotations

Rotations occur within the UVA Health System and are integrated with the Department of Family Medicine. Key rotations include the UVA Family Medicine Fellowship Clinic, orthopedic sports medicine clinics, and coverage at the athletic training room where care is delivered to Division I athletes. The fellow will also partake in the UVA Runner’s Clinic, assisting with the evaluation of both acute and chronic injuries prevalent among runners.

Research and Teaching

During the fellowship year, fellows are expected to participate in research activities, including publishing a minimum of one article or book chapter on a sports medicine topic. Teaching responsibilities include preparing and delivering monthly lectures to medical students and residents, fostering a strong foundation in medical education.

Salary and Benefits

For the 2023-2024 academic year, fellows receive an annual salary of $71,870. Benefits extend to cover essential areas such as medical insurance, vacation, and professional development opportunities. Additional resources for fellows can be found on the UVA GME Salary and Benefits webpage.

Life in Charlottesville

Charlottesville, home to UVA, is recognized for its vibrant community. It features a variety of recreational options, cultural venues, and opportunities for outdoor activities. The city is often rated as one of the happiest places to live, providing a rich backdrop for fellowship experiences.

Application Process

Applicants must have completed an accredited US residency in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Fellowship applications are submitted through the ERAS system with an annual selection of one fellow. The match occurs through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), ensuring a fair selection process.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates applying for the sports medicine fellowship. The fellowship is known to be highly competitive; however, it is also considered DO friendly and welcomes applicants from a range of medical backgrounds, including international medical graduates.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship distinguishes itself by encouraging fellows to create their personalized experiences in sports medicine. Each fellow is encouraged to dream up a list of unique opportunities they wish to pursue, which are integrated into the program schedule as much as possible.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to completing residency training, applicants should be board certified or board eligible in their specialty. There are no specific limits on the number of STEP exam attempts, but candidates are encouraged to demonstrate resilience and competency through their applications and interviews.