The field of sports medicine is vast, encompassing professions such as physical therapists, athletic trainers and medical doctors. The types of programs in sports medicine within medical schools are fellowships which allow primarily care, pediatric, or osteopathic doctors and orthopedic surgeons to complete a residency or fellowship in sports medicine. For non-surgical doctors, they will need to complete an exam leading to a certificate of added qualifications in sports medicine. The best medical schools for sports medicine are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists and the American Board of Medical Specialties. They also provide students with opportunities for additional practice and experience.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is partnered with the Virginia Tech Athletic Department to offer a fully accredited and rigorous residency program in primary care sports medicine. Listed as one of top ten lowest-cost medical schools in the nation by "U.S. News & World Report," this program uses an evidence-based approach to train doctors in treating sports related injuries. The curriculum uses holistic practices in conjunction with comprehensive approaches to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients. Flexible clinical opportunities are an important part of the program, which allows students increasing responsibility of patient care. An elective rotation in sports medicine may be available for students interested in gaining additional experience.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program with an optional sports medicine fellowship. "U.S. News & World Report" ranked this school in the top 100 in several medical fields for 2014. The fellowship is open to AOA certified physicians and requires an additional year of post-residency practice. This fellowship incorporates a broad spectrum approach and allows fellows to gain experience in clinical and rehabilitation services. Students earn a fellowship certificate upon completion. Sports medicine fellows are provided with ample opportunities to research and develop projects while in the program.
University of Washington
Ranked among the top ten medical schools in the country by "U.S. News & World Report," the University of Washington’s Department of Family Medicine offers extensive practice and experience in sports medicine through their fellowship program, incorporating clinical experience, community outreach and research projects. Primary experience is done from the Hall Health Sports Medicine Clinic, where fellows provide services for the UW Husky Athletics and Seattle Seahawks. Fellows receive a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine and are mentored by the largest world-renowned sports medicine faculty.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University, consistently ranking among the top primary care medical schools in the country by "U.S. News & World Report," offers a one year, fully accredited primary care sports medicine fellowship to residency-trained practitioners within Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Fellows primarily work in outpatient sports medicine clinics; however, there are opportunities for work with sub-specialists. Fellows will also practice in injury clinics within the athletic department at Michigan State University and local high schools. In addition, the fellow will provide services for community events as needed. Fellows are required to complete a research project prior to completing the program.
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Based in Northern California, Tiffany Smith has been writing professionally for more than 10 years. She holds a Master of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Arts in English and an Associate of Arts in liberal arts. She is obtaining her Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed. Leadership currently, and teachers English composition, literature, leadership, communications and education.