Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program in Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship offers an intense one-year training program that prepares fellows for clinical or academic careers in sports medicine. This program encompasses various aspects of sports medicine, including community and university sports medicine, occupational medicine, and cardiac rehabilitation, highlighting its comprehensive approach to training.

Program Highlights

The fellowship at Wake Forest is enriched by an array of opportunities:

• Access to specialty-trained and experienced faculty dedicated to the professional development of future sports medicine providers.
• State-of-the-art educational and clinical resources that support fellow's clinical and research excellence.
• Diversity of coverage, which includes professional, college (Division I, II, III), high school, and community youth sports.
• Involvement in care at a nationally recognized public creative and performing arts conservatory.
• Direct care of athletes across all levels.
• Integrated sports medicine clinic facilities located within a five-mile radius.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to develop leaders and skilled providers in sports medicine. Fellows partake in various responsibilities involving teaching, research, event coverage, and patient care, ensuring well-rounded training. The program emphasizes experience through:

• Clinical training and procedural tests.
• Sports team coverage at facilities like Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem Dash.
• Dedicated research opportunities to further enhance training.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows experience a range of training settings, including:

• Sports medicine clinics at the Family Practice Center.
• Sports medicine clinics at the Medical Plaza-Miller.
• Training facilities at universities and local high schools.
• Orthopedic subspecialty clinics.
• On-site sports coverage for various athletic events.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship actively encourages clinical research involvement. Fellows are expected to collaborate on at least one major publication or presentation. Research opportunities exist across several areas, including:

• Clinical research and applied sports medicine.
• Basic research in physiology related to sports injuries.
• Kinesiology research opportunities at Wake Forest University.
• Biomechanics studies and rehabilitation research.

Application Process

The Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship accepts applicants who are trained in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, or pediatrics, with a preference for family medicine fellowship candidates. Each year, two positions are available starting from July 1. Candidates should be aware of the following application requirements:

• Submission through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
• USMLE or COMLEX scores.
• Curriculum Vitae, medical school transcripts, and ECFMG certification (if applicable).
• A personal statement outlining career goals and three letters of recommendation.

Interviews for matched candidates will commence upon the application deadline, typically lasting until the end of November. The program is open to foreign medical graduates with qualifications including completion of an ACGME-accredited residency.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship is supportive of international candidates. The institution is able to sponsor J-1 Visas, Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD), and green cards, which offer potential pathways for eligible foreign graduates under specific conditions.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive, particularly favoring candidates with a strong background in family medicine. It is inclusive of trainees from diverse educational backgrounds, including international medical graduates who meet specific U.S. clinical experience requirements.