The NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) are committed to expanding access to sports medicine and launched a program in 2022 to encourage medical students from a variety of backgrounds to consider sports medicine careers.
In 2025, the league-wide program is open to 3rd and 4th year medical students who are focused on a career in primary care sports medicine and/or sports orthopedics surgery at medical schools across the country that are partnered with NFL clubs. Students are selected by their medical school for participation in the program, and the program will provide the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation with NFL club medical staff.
During their one-month rotations during NFL training camp (mid/late July through mid/late August) medical students will observe and participate in the care of sports medicine patients in NFL club settings.
Medical students interested in primary care/sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery will work directly with and under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians including orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians and athletic trainers, as well as others who comprise NFL clubs’ medical staff, to gain basic medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine. Medical students will become familiar with return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players.
Goals and Objectives:
Gain exposure to patient care in sports medicine including:
- Diagnosis and acute management of musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions
- Multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and return to play
- Injury screening, injury prevention, and recovery techniques
Observe and participate in the day-to-day interactions and care of player/patients with the team athletic training staff including:
- Daily treatment/rehabilitation/injury follow up
- Practice coverage and management