Fellowship is a great example of working as one
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently approved WellSpan York Hospital’s application for a Family Medicine-Sports Medicine Fellowship.
The fellowship will be an addition to the current family medicine training program at WellSpan York Hospital.
“The fellowship is a great example of working as one. Clinicians from Thomas Hart Family Medicine, WellSpan Orthopedics, WellSpan Neurosciences, WellSpan Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Imaging have committed to work collaboratively to educate the sports medicine specialists of the future,” said John Deitch, M.D., director, WellSpan Sports Medicine.
“The fellowship confirms our commitment to education and research in sports medicine.” Robert Fawcett, M.D., associate residency program director of family medicine, will serve as the director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship.
He has more than 14 years experience teaching sports medicine topics in the Family Medicine Residency.
“There are several reasons we sought to establish a Sports Medicine Fellowship,” he said. “First, we feel that the Family Medicine Residency is enhanced by sponsoring the fellowship.
"Many medical students who are looking for a residency to train in are interested in sports medicine, and having a fellowship into which they could potentially find their way is seen as a recruiting plus.
“It will also enhance teaching in that area of the residency, as the fellow brings additional interest and expertise into that area.”
Fawcett also pointed out that WellSpan has been expanding its sports medicine presence in the community by its partnership with the Harrisburg Stampede (professional arena football team), the York Revolution and a host of high schools.
“This adds up to improved medical coverage for our community while enhancing the training provided to our post-graduate physicians,” he added. “An emphasis also will be placed on research.”
WellSpan Sports Medicine offers a comprehensive, coordinated program designed to meet the needs of local teams, athletes and community organizations.
The program focuses on preventing injuries through education, awareness and proper training, as well as treating and rehabilitating injured athletes as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The team includes fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and sports medicine physicians; certified athletic trainers; licensed physical therapists; licensed psychologists and registered dietitians.
“The fellowship enhances the synergy that is already building between our primary care training program and the WellSpan Orthopedics staff,” commented Fawcett.
The first fellow will be recruited in 2013 and begin in July 2014.
“This is an exciting time for our medical education efforts, for WellSpan, for the medical community, and for the community at large,” said Fawcett.