Family Medicine: Sports Medicine
Program Type: Military Medical Center
Location: Camp Pendleton, CA (city of Oceanside)
Accredited: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Program Length: 1 year
Required Pre-Requisite Training: Medical School Graduate, completion of a Primary Care Residency Program (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics)
Categorical Year in Specialty Required: Not applicable
Total Approved Complement: up to 4
Approved per Year (if applicable): 2-3
Dedicated research year offered: No
Medical Student Rotation availability: Yes
Additional degree concurrent with training (e.g. MPH): No
Program Phone Number: 760-719-3675 or 7610-825-3364
Program Email: usn.pendleton.nmrtc-cpendleton.list.gme-office@health.mil
Program Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Program Description
The United States Navy’s Premier Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship.
The Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton’s Military Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship boasts a distinguished tradition of training elite military physicians in multiple clinical environments. This rigorous one-year program equips fellows with the expertise to deliver exceptional non-surgical care and education to athletes of all levels. Built upon the principle of meeting the Marines were they work and live, fellows have the opportunity to care for servicemembers in a variety of environments from a cohesive, barracks location at School of Infantry-West to assessing Seal candidates at BUDS to caring for heat casualties at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s largest heat deck.
Established over 25 years ago, the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship has flourished into the Navy's largest program, graduating four fellows annually. Our distinguished alumni include numerous leaders and scholars in military sports medicine, including several Commanding Officers and pillars within the Sports Medicine community.
The fellowship also thrives due to its multiple community and military partnerships. Sharing its primary academic site with the oldest and largest Family Medicine Residency in the Navy, our fellows have the unique opportunity not only to be trained, but also to train the next generation of Navy Family Medicine physicians, including providing lectures, precepting within the Sports Medicine clinics and even exposure to Faculty Development training as part of the fellowship.
Our fellows serve as team physicians for California State University, San Marcos (NCAA Division 2) and participate in all aspects of athlete care, from pre-participation physicals at the start of the year to sideline coverage at events and training room care throughout the year. This allows for direct side-by-side collaboration with the university’s elite team of Athletic Trainers. In addition, they serve as team physicians for local San Diego County high schools, working side-by-side with Orthopedic physicians from CORE Orthopedics, one of our oldest community partners.
Academically, our faculty and fellows actively participate in a consortium with the fellows from three other prestigious southern California programs: University of California, San Diego, San Diego Sports Medicine/San Diego State University and Eisenhower Medical Center. The consortium's multi-disciplinary faculty delivers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum, both formal and informal.
Lastly, our fellowship enjoys a robust partnership with the Naval Health Research Center located in Point Loma, CA. We have several integrated staff and ongoing research studies at all times.
Highlights Include
- Over 200 hours of intensive, hands-on musculoskeletal ultrasound training, including three two-day cadaver labs.
- More than three hours of weekly didactic sports medicine lectures.
- An opportunity to provide care to active duty and civilian patients in a variety of clinical settings, including exposure to the medical management of trainees at School of Infantry-West.
- Weekly exposure to a full spectrum of sports medicine practices, including cutting-edge OrthoBiologics techniques like platelet-rich plasma, prolotherapy and nerve hydro-dissection.
This exceptional program empowers military physicians to become leaders in active healthcare, delivering superior care to active individuals across all ages and skill levels.
Mission, Vision and Aims
Mission
Train and develop physicians and leaders capable of providing high quality Sports Medicine care and expertise in support of Warfighter readiness.
Vision
Be the Defense Health Agency’s PREMIER Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship.
Aims
- Train fellows to be skilled practitioners in medical, musculoskeletal, and procedural aspects of Sports Medicine.
- Prepare graduates to be subject matter experts in Warfighter wellness and combat readiness.
- Develop future leaders through experiences which give a foundation in academics, research, and policy.
Curriculum and Schedules
Throughout the intensive fellowship year, fellows are immersed in a rich learning environment. This exceptional combination of academic rigor, diverse faculty expertise, and practical application empowers our fellows to become true champions in the field of sports medicine. They graduate not just with exceptional knowledge but also with the confidence and skills to excel in their chosen path.
Over 200 Hours of In-Depth Didactic Training
Our esteemed faculty, augmented by a distinguished network of local and national guest lecturers, delve into a comprehensive range of sports medicine topics. This ensures fellows graduate with a mastery of the latest theories and practices.
Clinical Experiences and Bedside Mentorship
The didactic curriculum seamlessly integrates with invaluable hands-on learning opportunities. Fellows gain practical experience alongside our expert faculty, solidifying their clinical skills through immersive bedside teaching.
Flexible Appointment Scheduling
We tailor the learning experience for optimal impact. Early in the year, fellows benefit from extended 60-minute appointments, maximizing personalized instruction and feedback. As fellows progress, they transition to 30-minute appointments, allowing for increased patient volume and honing their clinical efficiency.
Rotations in our one-year program include:
- Sports Medicine and Reconditioning Team (SMART)
- CORE at Core Orthopaedics
- Physical Therapy - 2 blocks
- Research
- Pediatric Sports Medicine - 2 blocks
- Sports Medicine Trauma Training at Mammoth Hospital
- Cardiology
- Elective - 3 blocks
- BUDS Training/Coronado, California
- MCRD San Diego
- Nutrition
- Orthopedic subspecialities (Foot/ankle, Hand, Spine, Total Joint)
- Pain Management
- Podiatry
- Ski Trauma (Mammoth General Hospital)
- Sports Psychology
There is no call in our program.
Our program sets itself apart with a distinctive military curriculum, meticulously crafted to prepare fellows for the unique demands of military medicine. This comprehensive program equips fellows with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in any environment:
- Austere/wilderness medicine training ensures fellows can deliver exceptional care in even the most challenging settings.
- Fellows gain expertise in evidence-based rehabilitation to optimize patient recovery.
- We integrate operational skills, preparing them for real-world scenarios. Through immersive experiences, fellows gain a firsthand understanding of the needs of the Warrior Athlete.
This unique blend of theoretical and practical training fosters well-rounded military medical professionals equipped to serve with unwavering dedication our nation's heroes.
Longitudinal:
- Adult Orthopedics (including OR time)
- Cal State San Marcos Training Room
- FM Sports Clinic (dependents/retirees)
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Pediatric Sports Medicine
- Primary Care Clinic (1/2 day per week in primary specialty)
- Sports Medicine Clinic (SMART/AD)
- UCSD Concussion Clinic
Practical opportunities to hone leadership skills are woven throughout the program. Fellows gain experience managing teams at mass participation events and within the SMART clinics, teaching students and residents, and collaborating with external units.
Scholarly and Professional Development Opportunities
Scholarly activity is a requirement for fellowship graduation. It can take many forms, including the following:
- Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Review Articles
- Book Chapters
- Case Reports
- Case Series
- Presentations
In addition, fellows receive a ½ day introduction to research during orientation as well as the completion of a lecture series during the first quarter of the academic year. It delves into the world of scholarly activities, equipping you with the skills to become a well-rounded sports medicine expert. This curriculum prepares you to design and conduct impactful research.
By completing this comprehensive curriculum, you'll be well-equipped to make significant contributions to the field of sports medicine through scholarly activity!
Our program fosters a culture of continuous improvement, actively engaging fellows and faculty in collaborative quality improvement projects. Fellows participate as members of command Root Cause Analysis investigations and have the opportunity to join the command’s Quality Assurance Committee. Previous fellow projects have included revising our PRP patient education and procedural process and facilitating and precepting at a sports physicals rodeo for the command.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to knowledge sharing and its direct impact on improving patient outcomes. By creating readily available, evidence-based resources, we empower healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care.
Fellows translate theory into action through real-world applications:
- Leading teams at the Warrior Games and Trials provides valuable experience in managing complex medical situations in a high-pressure environment.
- Teaching medical students, Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) students, and Family Medicine residents hones communication and mentorship skills.
- Collaboration with external units thanks to established MOUs fosters interagency cooperation and broadens fellows' leadership perspective.
This comprehensive approach fosters the development of strong leadership skills through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and mentorship.
Participating Sites
Expand for a list of rotation sites
- BUDS Training Facility/Coronado, California
- Cal State University San Marcos
- CORE Orthopedics
- Mammoth General Hospital
- MCRD San Diego
- Naval Health Clinic Annapolis
- Naval Health Research Center
- Naval Medical Center San Diego
- Rady Children’s Hospital
- San Diego Sports Medicine
- UCSD
Applicant Information, Rotation and Interview Opportunities
We offer elective opportunities for medical students and primary care residents for up to four weeks. Our unique blend of academic, clinical, and training environments provides learners an eye-opening experience with an operational twist. Our Sports Medicine and Reconditioning Team (SMART) clinics boast a cohesive, collaborative team environment unlike any other. Our blend of Sports Medicine providers, Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors allows rotators to experience these different provider types as well as get a taste for what our USMC trainees at School of Infantry-West (SOI-W) experience. Previous rotators have gone on hikes, provided coverage at obstacle courses and treated patients at the largest heat deck aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. In addition to operational exposure, we also have one of the top musculoskeletal ultrasound faculty in the country. You will have ample opportunity for immersion in advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hydro-dissection. Rotations can be customized to your goals for the rotation. Come join us!
Ready to Become a Leader in Military Sports Medicine? Apply Now!
The application process for the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship is straightforward. Here's what you need to do:
- Consult with Your Specialty Advisor: Discuss your aspirations with your current specialty consultant to ensure this fellowship aligns with your career goals.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the letter of instruction put out on Mods in July. Ensure you gather all necessary materials and submit your application within the designated timeframe.
- Schedule an Interview: Once your application is complete, connect with our GME Office
- Reach out to the GME Office, via email at usn.pendleton.nmrtc-cpendleton.list.gme-office@health.mil or phone (760) 719-3675/3364.
- Interviews are typically scheduled in August or September.
- Important Dates (follow the letter of instruction):
- The Joint Graduate Medical Education Selection Board (JGMESB) meets in late November each year
- Selection results are released by the mid-December timeframe
We encourage you to apply early! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to become a leader in the field of Navy Sports Medicine!!
Specialty Board Examination Information
Program graduates take the American Board of Family Medicine Sports Medicine CAQ Exam. This exam is offered annually. To become fully board certified, applicants are eligible to take board certification exam 1 month prior to graduation. To be eligible to take specialty board exams, graduates must be board certified by their primary board. For additional information, please visit their website at: Sports Medicine - American Board of Family Medicine (theabfm.org).
Teaching Opportunities
Resident/Fellow as Teacher Opportunities
Fellows will continue to be instrumental in resident education by delivering lectures, participating as resident and student preceptors, and contributing to the education of military and civilian medical students at UCSD with several workshops throughout the year.
Additional Teaching Opportunities
Our fellows have opportunities to teach at other events within the local community and on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Some teaching opportunities may include:
- Local high school sports physical events
- NCAA Sports Physicals at Cal State San Marcos
- Warrior Games
Faculty and Mentorship
Our fellowship program and local consortium boast a distinguished faculty of sports medicine experts from multiple disciplines. Faculty members have been recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements in the field. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional knowledge, skills, and dedication to advancing sports medicine.
Beyond their impressive accolades, all our faculty members have undergone specialized training in sports medicine. This ensures you'll receive the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques throughout your fellowship experience. Our faculty is passionate about sharing their expertise and fostering a stimulating learning environment where you can thrive.
Our program recognizes the importance of both professional and personal well-being. To this end, we provide fellows with ongoing support from experienced staff. All fellows will select a mentor from the faculty at the beginning of the academic year. Mentoring sessions offer guidance on navigating the challenges and opportunities of fellowship training. Additionally, quarterly individual counseling sessions provide a safe and confidential space for fellows to address stress, fatigue, or any other challenges they may encounter. This proactive approach allows for early identification and management of potential issues, promoting a healthy work-life balance and overall well-being.
This comprehensive approach addresses various aspects of well-being, including:
- Social Connection: Fostering a sense of community through social events and team-building activities.
- Physical Activity: Encouraging participation in refreshing activities like hiking and cycling.
- Mental Health Support: Providing confidential counseling sessions for stress management and proactive well-being.
- Professional Development: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills through team-building exercises.
Through these initiatives, fellows can experience:
- Reduced Stress and Burnout
- Improved Work-Life Balance
- Enhanced Satisfaction with the Training Program
Well-Being
Our fellowship program acknowledges the rigors of advanced training and is firmly committed to fostering the well-being of our fellows. We achieve this through a multi-faceted approach that promotes both professional development and personal wellness. We cultivate a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging through regular social events. These include a welcome reception, festive holiday gatherings, and engaging team-building activities within the fellowship and the consortium. These activities include involvement with fellows from the other consortium programs as well as built in administrative time for decompression.
Contact Us
Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program
Location: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Family Medicine Department
Monday–Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Phone: 760-719-3675
Alternate: 760-719-3364
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