Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship

Curriculum

Fellows will spend three days in the operating room, one and a half days in clinic, and a half day dedicated to research time each week.

Longitudinal Rotations

Our program curriculum incorporates several longitudinal rotations, immersing trainees in particular areas of study throughout the entire duration of the training program.

• Operating Room

  Fellows spend three days in the operating room performing cases at these Baptist Health South Florida locations: Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Health Surgery Center in Coral Gables and Baptist Health Surgery Center in Plantation.

• Clinic

  Fellows spend one and a half days in the outpatient clinic at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care locations, evaluating patients with musculoskeletal injuries. They see a diverse range of patients—adults, adolescents, and athletes of all levels—with acute and chronic conditions including pre- and post-operative exams and consultations.

  The recently renovated 49,000-square-foot outpatient facility spans three floors and includes 42 exam rooms. A new pod concept with touchdown staff work areas allows clinical teams to collaborate across subspecialties. During clinic, allied health professionals—including physician assistants, certified athletic trainers and medical assistants—support physicians. Fellows also receive specialized training in Baptist Health’s Cerner electronic health record system as part of onboarding.

• Research

  Fellows receive protected time during their rotations to conduct research. They design their own studies and collaborate on ongoing projects with support from Baptist Health Orthopedic Care staff.

  The Bio-Skills Lab at the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute plays a key role in the educational program. In this simulated surgical environment, fellows perform hands-on cadaveric evaluations, advance their surgical training, and contribute to research studies and clinical trials. The lab includes broadcasting capabilities to enhance the learning experience.

  Fellows also have access to the FIU Medical Library.

• Athletic Training Room and Sideline Coverage

  The Athletic Training Room and Sideline Coverage rotation is a key part of the fellowship. At the professional level, fellows have the opportunity to cover teams including the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the NBA’s Miami Heat, the NHL’s Florida Panthers, MLS club Inter Miami CF, and USL clubs Miami FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC.

  At the collegiate level, Baptist Health South Florida provides care for Barry University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and St. Thomas University athletics. Fellows also provide sideline coverage for seasonal sporting events such as the Miami Open tennis tournament, the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, the Capital One Orange Bowl, the Miami Beach Bowl, and the Miami Triathlon.

• Didactics 

  Faculty, fellows and allied health professionals actively participate in the program's didactic education series.

  The didactics include:

  • Lecture series: Weekly teaching conference dedicated to orthopaedic sports medicine, where presenters will vary each week and will include the program director, program faculty and fellows. Lectures include:
    • Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and immunology as they relate to adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery.
    • Pain management for the subspecialty, including recognition of the signs of addiction.
    • Evaluation of practices that ensure and improve patient safety.
  • Bio-Skills Lab: Monthly surgical techniques hands-on cadaver lab training with faculty members.
  • Journal Club: A monthly series to discuss various topics from the latest orthopaedic sports medicine journals and other relevant peer-reviewed publications.
  • Case Presentation: Faculty and fellows will meet to discuss the cases that will take place during the week.
  • Case Review: A monthly series to present and discuss interesting cases from our own and/or case reports from the literature, followed by discussion.
• Rehabilitation

  Fellows follow patients throughout their rotation and observe the progression of physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments. Baptist Health South Florida has multiple physical therapy locations where fellows can observe and assist inpatient rehabilitation. This includes athletes of all ages and levels of competition, as well as individuals who are active or preparing for exercise.

• Teaching 

  Fellows serve as instructors for the FIU Medicine Organs Course, where they develop and refine their teaching skills by working with fourth-year medical students.