Programs

NFL Diversity In Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative

The NFL

The NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) are committed to increasing diversity in sports medicine. The NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative was developed to encourage medical students from diverse backgrounds to consider sports medicine careers, and over time, help to diversify NFL club medical staffs. The program provides medical students with the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation with NFL club medical staffs across the league. During their rotations, students observe and participate in the care of players in NFL club settings. Students work directly with and under the supervision of the orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, athletic trainers, dietitians, mental health clinicians, strength & conditioning coaches, equipment managers and other members of medical staff to gain basic medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine. Additionally, students become familiar with return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players. Students may also have the opportunity to attend home games and be present on the sideline for observation. By the end of the rotation, students understand the basic elements of all facets of care provided to NFL players from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine and athletic training perspective.

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Program Components

Primary Areas of Focus
  • Recruitment (i.e. increasing awareness of and/or stimulating interest in health profession careers and degree programs
  • Retention or completion of health professions degree programs (support for those currently enrolled)
Desired Outcomes

This initiative is part of a long-term effort to help broaden the pipeline of diverse medical professionals entering the field of sports medicine.

Program Location

Settings: In-person

Timing

Time periods: None

Program Components
  • Academic support (e.g. tutoring, progress monitoring)
    Medical students will work directly with the orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, athletic trainers, dietitians, mental health clinicians, strength & conditioning coaches, equipment managers, and other members of the club medical staff to gain basic medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine.
  • Mentoring (e.g. pairing with current health profession student)

Program Information

Education Levels
Health Professions

Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply

Apply here
Eligibility Criteria
  • Academic
Required Application Documents

Contact Information

Participating medical program
Email: jtaylo72@uic.edu

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