After a rare view inside the world of professional sports and orthopedic medicine through a clinical rotation with the Houston Texans this summer, Analisa Narro, a fourth-year student with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, brought back key lessons from the enriching experience.

The rotation was part of the NFL’s 2023 Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, which aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and, over time, help diversify NFL club medical staffs. McGovern Medical School was among 19 medical schools in the U.S. to participate in the program in its second year.

During her month-long rotation, which ended Aug. 18, Narro observed and participated in the care of players, working directly with and under the supervision of orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, and athletic trainers. She also learned return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players.

“Being able to see sports medicine at such a high level was incredible,” said Narro, a third-generation American from San Antonio, whose family is originally from Mexico. “It’s like I had my very own tutor at all times teaching me the art of sports medicine.”

Read the full story in the UTHealth Houston News here.