Sports Medicine Fellowship
Program Overview
The Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to train individuals in the management of problems experienced by athletes and those who engage in physical activity.
We are thrilled to extend our warmest greetings to all aspiring sports medicine professionals visiting our website. We are dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in the dynamic field of sports medicine.
Our fellowship offers a comprehensive and immersive experience designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to excel in the exciting world of sports medicine. Through a combination of rigorous academic instruction and hands-on clinical training, fellows will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of sports-related injuries and conditions.
Join us as we embark on a journey to shape the future of sports medicine together.
Sports Medicine at University Health
The UMKC Sports Medicine Fellowship is the oldest active ACGME-certified primary care sports medicine program in Missouri. It operates from the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center at University Health Lakewood Medical Center (UHLMC).
The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care and addresses medical concerns related to exercise. Physicians evaluate acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, provide non-surgical fracture management and perform joint injections. We use a multidisciplinary approach to guide concussion treatment. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used diagnostically and for injections. We offer an Exercise is Medicine Clinic that educates patients on the benefits of exercise to increase their physical activity and improve health. We coordinate appropriate rehabilitation programs with physical and occupational therapy and collaborate with other musculoskeletal healthcare providers.
While our main clinic is located at UHLMC, we also provide sports medicine services in the Health Sciences District at University Health Truman Medical Center (UHTMC).
Sporting Event Coverage
Medical staff for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program provide coverage of sports activities at the amateur, high school, collegiate, Olympic and professional levels. The following are some of the places we've made an impact.
- Team physicians for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics Program.
- We provide medical care to athletes in the Lee's Summit High School athletic programs, including on-site medical coverage for Lee's Summit North and Lee's Summit West sporting events.
- Fellows provide medical care for the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Mules football team, a highly competitive NCAA Division II program in Warrensburg, MO, in conjunction with the UCM team physician staff.
- Medical coverage for the Hospital Hill Run
- Medical coverage for the Kansas City Marathon
- Medical coverage for the Great American Gymnastics Express (GAGE) and Dragon Gymnastics, including the yearly Dragon Invitational national gymnastics meet. GAGE athletes have included U.S. National team members and Olympic medal winners.
- Medical coverage for Kansas City Jazz Rugby Football Club
- Medical coverage for Premier Rugby Sevens
- Medical coverage for USA Volleyball events
Fellowship Curriculum
Our curriculum includes devoted time in the University Health Lakewood Sports Medicine Center, orthopedic surgery offices and caring for Division I and II NCAA athletes in the training room, as well as on the sidelines. Fellows also work directly with athletic trainers and coaches to provide ongoing care for high school athletes, provide care at mass events and for competitive community sports. Additionally, fellows undergo a longitudinal experience in the offices of private sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons and at Children’s Mercy Hospital and specialty rotations.
Weekly educational didactic seminars focus on research concepts, sports medicine conditions and specific problems not commonly encountered in a one-year fellowship program. Combined didactics with Children’s Mercy and The University of Kansas Sports Medicine fellowships occur during the year. A monthly journal club reviews recent articles that emphasize research methodology and timely clinical relevance. All fellows are expected to present sports medicine lectures for resident and medical student education in clinical and didactic settings. Additional experiences can be arranged with approval.
Weekly Schedule
- Four half-days at the Primary Care Sports Medicine Clinic
- Two half-days at the orthopedic clinic
- One half-day at Children’s Mercy Hospital and clinics
- One to two half-days at the UMKC or UCM athletic training room
- One half-day at the primary specialty clinic
- One half-day of didactics
Sports Ultrasound
Sports Ultrasound, both therapeutic and diagnostic, has become a staple in our sports medicine center, and as part of our fellowship training. Fellows are instructed on ultrasound basics and begin their musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound curriculum within the first week of the fellowship. Our ultrasound curriculum is frontloaded so our fellows get comfortable handling the machine as soon as possible. A a comprehensive longitudinal curriculum is also integrated throughout the year. Observed hands-on training is supplemented by lectures, cadaver labs, assigned readings, text books and certification exam practice questions. Additionally, our fellows have benefited in the past by taking our ultrasound machine home with them for practice sessions, which we encourage. Our fellows perform enough ultrasound exams during their fellowship year to sit for the MSK U.S. certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARMDS) for Registered Muskuloskeletal (RMSK) certification.
Research and Scholarly Activity
There is a research curriculum in place to help guide our fellows in completion of a scholarly project during their fellowship year. Research participation is required and is crucial to helping fellows prepare for their future careers. Faculty will help guide your proposals and projects throughout the year and will help fellows prepare for presenting and publishing their findings.
Fellows are also expected to present a case at a national meeting during their fellowship year. Faculty are available to help guide them through selecting and writing the abstract, and presenting them at the end of the year.
Fellow Selection
Two fellows per year are accepted from applicants who have completed a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or Emergency Medicine residency.
Read to Apply?
Application deadline: Sept. 30
Please apply to the Sports Medicine fellowship through ERAS #1272813107.While applications will be accepted until Sept. 30, interviews may be offered prior to that date. Please contact us with any questions about required application materials.
Note: UMKC does not sponsor H1B visas.
More Information
Have Questions?
Please email Patricia True, our fellowship coordinator, or call her at 816-404-9597 with questions.
