Jul 1, 2013
Overview
Overview of the UPMC Medical Education Program in Sports Medicine
The UPMC Medical Education Program in Sports Medicine, based in Cranberry Township, is designed to provide comprehensive training for physicians aiming to specialize in sports medicine within the realm of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This program focuses on developing well-rounded, knowledgeable and skilled practitioners who can excel in managing sports-related injuries and promoting athletic performance recovery. The curriculum integrates rigorous clinical practice with innovative research and advanced rehabilitation techniques.
Curriculum
The curriculum encompasses a broad array of topics essential for sports medicine, including anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, nutritional guidance, and rehabilitation strategies. Trainees are expected to engage in didactic learning alongside hands-on clinical experiences.
Core Rotations
Residents will experience a variety of rotations which include:
- Clinical Sports Medicine: Working directly with athletes to assess injuries and manage rehabilitation.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Understanding the surgical options for sports-related injuries.
- Primary Care: Offering holistic care, including prevention and health promotion.
- Research: Involvement in ongoing studies related to sports medicine enhances the learning experience.
Research Opportunities
Research is a pivotal component of the training. The program is integrated with various ongoing research initiatives focusing on the latest advances in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and recovery. Trainees are encouraged to participate in research projects, which aim to enhance understanding of sports injuries and possibly lead to advances in treatment methodologies.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The UPMC program prides itself on offering a multidimensional training environment. Some unique features include:
- Access to Advanced Facilities: Residents benefit from an extensive network of rehabilitation facilities and resources.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with various health professionals, including dietitians, physical therapists, and psychologists, promotes comprehensive care for athletes.
- Community Involvement: Opportunities to work with local athletes, teams, and organizations help contextually ground the resident's training.
Training Sites
The program utilizes multiple training sites, allowing residents to gain diverse experiences. Primary sites include:
- UPMC Rehabilitation Institute: A renowned facility providing rehabilitation services and research.
- Local Sports Medicine Clinics: Providing direct care and hands-on experiences with athletes.
- UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex: A state-of-the-art arena for athlete training and rehabilitation.
Visa Support
The program offers support for international medical graduates by sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas. The aim is to create an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse applicants seeking to enhance their training in sports medicine.
Competitiveness
The UPMC Medical Education Program in Sports Medicine is known to be highly competitive, reflecting both the quality of education and the attractiveness of the location. The program is recognized for being friendly towards osteopathic candidates (DOs) and international medical graduates (IMGs), maintaining an inclusive selection process.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the program should meet the following criteria:
- Year of Graduation: Candidates who graduated from medical school within the last five years are preferred.
- USMLE/COMLEX Scores: A limited number of attempts on licensing exams are acceptable, with preference for candidates who have not exceeded two failures in any Step.
- Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of three letters are required, including at least one from a PM&R specialist.
- Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive CV highlighting relevant experiences in PM&R or sports medicine.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 12, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:5X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $81,431 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 56 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Location
Cranberry Township, PA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
FAQ
Ready to Find Your Ideal Residency Program?
Get a personalized, data-driven program list built around your scores, experiences, and visa needs.
Nearby programs
Sports medicine (Physical medicine and rehabilitation) Programs Near Cranberry Township, PA
Other specialties near Cranberry Township, PA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3424134013
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=060XX00US4201916920
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr