UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Medical Education Program in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine offers a comprehensive fellowship designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in sports medicine. The program emphasizes four foundational pillars: clinical rotations, a didactic curriculum, active sports medicine coverage, and robust research opportunities, which together create an enriching educational experience.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship year consists of five distinct rotations. Each fellow collaborates with two attendings per rotation, ensuring that they gain valuable insights under expert supervision. Experiences are split between operating rooms and outpatient clinics, allowing fellows to engage closely with diverse cases in knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and general orthopaedic sports medicine. Furthermore, fellows have protected training time dedicated to the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, where they can deepen their expertise in critical areas of sports-related injuries and management 1.

Curriculum

The educational curriculum is anchored by the Wednesday morning academic conference, a multidisciplinary forum focusing on various sports medicine topics. This conference follows a well-defined,year-long syllabus addressing crucial areas such as surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, MRI interpretation, and event coverage. Each fellow takes a turn leading the conferences, which fosters leadership skills as they present cases and relevant literature to a broad audience of faculty, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals. Additional opportunities for learning are offered through psychomotor skills labs, sports medicine grand rounds, and journal clubs 1.

Research Opportunities

Research initiatives are integral to the UPMC Sports Medicine Fellowship. Each fellow is expected to engage in at least two research studies, culminating in peer-reviewed abstracts and manuscripts. A biweekly research meeting allows fellows to discuss project progress and exchange ideas. The culmination of research efforts is celebrated during the annual Fellows’ Research Day, where each fellow has the opportunity to present their findings 1. Mentoring from faculty specializing in research design, data management, and statistical analysis is also provided to ensure comprehensive support throughout the research process.

Team Coverage

Fellows have the distinct opportunity to provide coverage for over 60 professional, collegiate, and high school sports teams. This includes teams such as the University of Pittsburgh Athletics (football, basketball, soccer, swimming, etc.), Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Pittsburgh Steelers among others. Involvement in team coverage allows fellows to apply their clinical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their practical experience while building vital professional networks 1.

Conferences and Courses

To further enhance their education, fellows are encouraged to attend multiple conferences each year, typically ranging from six to eight. Some key events include the AAOS Annual Meeting, AOSSM Annual Meeting, and various industry-sponsored specialty courses. These conferences serve as a platform for continued learning and professional development within sports medicine 1.

Application Process

Each year, the program offers five PGY-6 fellowship positions, which require applicants to participate in the San Francisco Match. Candidates must hold eligibility for Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery and have completed an accredited residency program in orthopaedic surgery, accredited by ACGME or RCPSC. Additionally, candidates must provide transcripts from USMLE (Steps 1, 2, and 3), letters of reference (with one from the residency training program director), a current CV, and an ECFMG certificate if applicable. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center sponsors the J-1 visa for international medical graduates accepted into the program. Only invited applicants will be interviewed, with limited availability of interview spaces 1.

Competitiveness and Specific Requirements

This fellowship program is notably competitive. It is open to both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the residency requirements set by ECFMG. IMGs must have completed an accredited orthopaedic residency program. Candidates are evaluated on their clinical competence, research experience, and overall fit for the fellowship. The program also places importance on applicants’ ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment 1.