USC Orthopaedic Surgery Program (Sports Medicine)
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Orthopaedic sports medicineACGME Code:
2680513113The USC Sports Medicine Fellowship is a prestigious one-year clinical fellowship offered by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Keck Medical Center of USC, designed to develop proficient sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons and academic leaders. The fellowship emphasizes both operative and non-operative management of athletic injuries encompassing the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, and foot/ankle, along with on-the-field management of competitive athletes.
A critical component of the fellowship program is the opportunity to provide physician team coverage to the USC Trojans intercollegiate athletes, which includes over 700 athletes participating in 21 varsity sports. This role allows fellows to work closely with an experienced team of faculty and athletic trainers led by the head athletic trainer. The fellows will also have the chance to engage with the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) team, providing unique experiences in high-level sports medicine.
The fellowship provides extensive exposure to cutting-edge rehabilitation protocols and return-to-sport pathways at the John McKay Center located on the USC University Park Campus. The educational framework consists of weekly conferences, didactic teaching sessions, and a dedicated MRI correlation conference. Residents from the department participate in an arthroscopy teaching lab where fellows take on instructor roles, further enhancing collaborative learning.
Research plays a significant role in the fellowship, with fellows expected to complete various research projects throughout the year. Clinical fellows are supported by student research fellows who assist with project management, data collection, and manuscript preparation. Accreditation for the program is granted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
Fellowship Specifics
The fellowship runs from August 1 to July 31 and provides a stipend of $74,000. Two positions are available each year, filled via the San Francisco Matching Program (SF Match). The program adheres to all selection policies set by the SF Match and AOSSM. Application deadlines occur annually on November 1, with interviews scheduled for February of the following year.
Visa Support
The USC Sports Medicine Fellowship is open to both domestic and international medical graduates. The program offers visa sponsorship, primarily for J-1 visas, assisting international fellows in securing the necessary paperwork to participate in the training.
Competitiveness of the Program
The fellowship is considered highly competitive, drawing interest from a diverse pool of applicants, including both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program is known to be friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates. The program evaluates applicants based on their clinical experience, academic achievements, and demonstrated interest in sports medicine.
Application Requirements
Eligibility to apply for this fellowship generally includes being a graduate of an accredited orthopaedic residency program. There is no specific cap on the number of failed Step exams, but competitive candidates usually have a strong academic record throughout their training.
Training Sites
The main training site for the fellowship includes the Keck Medical Center of USC, where fellows will spend the majority of their clinical time. Additional clinical exposure occurs through USC's partnership with other affiliated clinics, providing a comprehensive understanding of sports medicine practices in various settings.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship places a significant emphasis on research. Fellows have access to numerous research resources within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, ranked in the top echelon of NIH funding. Areas of focus might include stem cell therapies, rehabilitation protocols, and outcomes of sports injury treatments, contributing newly generated knowledge directly relevant to clinical practice.
Unique Aspects of the Fellowship
One of the hallmark features of the USC Sports Medicine Fellowship is its integration with high-performance sports programs, including the USC Trojans and the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. This collaboration offers exceptional opportunities for fellows to engage in team coverage and learn the complexities of sports-related injuries in elite athletes.
Website
Director
George F Hatch, MDDirector, USC Sports Medicine Fellowship; Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics Appointed Since March 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$65,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
