The National Football League, together with the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), today announced the roster of medical students who will participate in the third year of the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.
Launched in 2022, the league-wide program aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and, over time, help to diversify NFL club medical staffs.
Students from 21 medical schools have been matched with NFL clubs across the league for one-month clinical rotations focused on primary care sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery. The rotations provide students with the opportunity to learn from and work directly with club medical staff as they deliver care to players across the league. Student clinical rotations will begin as training camps open next month for the 2024 NFL season.
"The NFL and clubs across the league are excited to welcome this year's class of medical students and offer them the unique opportunity to complete clinical rotations with NFL club medical staffs," NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said. "We have an impressive group of participants joining us from a growing roster of medical schools this season, as we continue our efforts to bring interested diverse and underrepresented medical students into the sports medicine professional pipeline."
A complete roster of 2024 participating students can be found here.
"The NFL Physicians Society is proud to be an integral part of this impactful program as we believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in delivering best-in-class care," said Dr. James Voos, MD, NFLPS President, Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland. "Our players, staff and community represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds, enriching our organization and the quality of care we offer. We look forward to mentoring the 2024 class of students with the hope they will consider sports medicine careers."
During their one-month rotations, students will observe and participate in the care of NFL players, working 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 others to gain medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine.
Students will also become familiar with return-to-play protocols and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players. By the end of the rotation, students will understand the basic elements of all facets of care provided to NFL players from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine and athletic training perspective.
Jessica Nelson will be joining the Vikings from the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"As a proud Minnesotan, I'm beyond excited to join the Minnesota Vikings medical team this August," Nelson said. "This is a dream come true, blending my love for sports with my passion for medicine. I can't wait to support the team I grew up cheering for and gain amazing experiences in the world of sports medicine."
Since expanding the initiative league-wide last season, the NFL has been working to include additional disciplines and roles from the its player care "Team Behind the Team" in the program, including physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and behavioral health clinicians. The NFL, NFLPS and PFATS are also partnering with clubs to help expose high school students to the field of sports medicine through community events.
The Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative is part of the league's broader commitment to ensure that staff and leaders in the league office and at NFL clubs reflect the racial and gender makeup of America.
