FAQ: NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative

General

Q: What is the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative?

A: The National Football League (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. Students from medical schools across the country are selected and invited to complete one-month clinical rotations with NFL clubs across the league.

During this rotation, students will observe and participate in the care of players in an NFL club setting. 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 will also become familiar with return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL athletes. 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 will understand the basic elements of all facets of care provided to an NFL athlete from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine, and athletic training perspective.

Q: Which medical schools are involved?

A: The inaugural program for the 2022 season comprised of students from the four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) medical schools: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

The program has since expanded, and includes 19 additional institutions for the 2024 season: Participating institutions for the 2024 season include: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada Las Vegas, LSU Health New Orleans, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Q: Why did the NFL, NFLPS and PFATS launch this initiative?

A: We know that diversity makes us stronger. Diverse medical students in-training, including those training to become sports medicine-focused physicians, are historically underrepresented.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, enrollment of diverse students is increasing. During the 2023-24 academic year, “the number of American Indian or Alaska Native matriculants rose 14.7%,” and “Hispanic, Latino or of Spanish Origin matriculants increased 4.5%.” While “the number of Black or African American matriculants remained stable, falling slightly by 0.1%, they made up 10.0% of total matriculants, up from 8.4% in 2016-17.” The NFL’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative aims to provide more students with an interest in sports medicine exposure and opportunities in the field.

Additionally, it is well-established in scientific and medical literature that diverse medical staff lead to improved patient outcomes, and our organizations are committed to providing world-class care for NFL players. This initiative is part of a long-term effort to help broaden the pipeline of diverse medical professionals entering the field of sports medicine.

According to the NFLPS, in 2023, 86 percent of their membership identify as white, 8 percent identify as Asian, 5 percent identify as Black, and 1 percent identify as Hispanic. According to PFATS, 65 percent of their membership identify as white, 23 percent identify as Black, 8 percent identify as Hispanic, and 4 percent identify as Asian.

Q: Who will the medical students work with during their clinical rotation?

A: 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.

Q: Are there plans to create similar programs to engage other underrepresented groups in the NFL medical community?

A: Yes. In future years, we hope to broaden the initiative to include disciplines beyond primary care sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. Some of the roles that may be included are physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and behavioral health clinicians.

For Interested Students

Q: My medical school participates in the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. How are students chosen?

A: Each participating institution and NFL club has established its own evaluation criteria for identifying and selecting students to participate in the program.

Q: Can I apply if my school is not currently part of the program?

A: For the 2024 season, the NFL clubs will be partnering with either one of the four HBCU medical schools, the NFL clubs’ affiliated medical school or a medical school of the clubs’ choosing. The program is for third- or fourth-year medical students who specialize in either orthopedic or primary care/sports medicine. We encourage you to reach out to a local college or university with an athletic program and apply to intern with their athletic trainers and/or team physicians.

Q: I am currently a first-year medical student at a participating medical school. Can I apply?

A: The program is currently only available to third or fourth-year medical students. We encourage interested students to stay up to date on the program and communications from your medical school about the opportunity to apply once eligible.

Q: Why isn’t my specialty included in the program?

A: Currently, the program is geared toward students in primary care sports medicine and orthopedic surgery.

In the future, we hope to expand the program to additional disciplines including physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and behavioral health clinicians.