The NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and Professional Football Athletic Trainers
Society (PFATS) are committed to increasing diversity in sports medicine and launched
a new program in 2022 to encourage medical students from diverse backgrounds to
consider sports medicine careers.

In 2023, the program will provide 3rd- and 4th-year medical students at the four
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) medical schools and other medical
schools across the country with the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation with NFL
club medical staff. During their one-month rotations in August, September, October or
November, medical students will observe and participate in the care of sports medicine
patients in NFL club settings.

Medical students interested in primary care/sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery
will work directly with and under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians
including orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians and athletic
trainers, as well as others who comprise the NFL clubs’ medical staff, to gain basic
medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine. Medical students
will become familiar with return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations
for NFL players.

Goals and Objectives
Gain exposure to patient care in sports medicine including:
• Diagnosis and acute management of musculoskeletal injuries and medical
conditions
• Multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and return to play
• Injury screening, injury prevention and recovery techniques
Observe and participate in the day-to-day interactions and care of player/patients with
the team athletic training staff including:
• Daily treatment/rehabilitation/injury follow up
• Practice coverage and management

Program Overview
Medical students will rotate at multiple sites with various members of the Seahawks
medical team. This may include:
• Omar Bhatti, M.D., at the Sports Medicine Center at Eastside Specialty Center
(Bellevue, WA)
• Jonathan Drezner, M.D., and Dave Siebert, M.D., at the Sports Medicine Center at
Husky Stadium (Seattle, WA)
• E. Edward Khalfayan, M.D., and Nick Seibert, M.D., at Orthopedic Physician
Associates (Seattle, WA)
• David Stricklin, ATC Virginia Mason Athletic Center (Renton, WA).

Optional didactics and grand rounds are available on a weekly basis (both virtually
and in-person) and include all medical schools involved in the program across the
country.

Expenses:
To make this program economically viable for the medical students, most expenses will
be covered by the NFL or the NFL club, including housing (if needed), meals at the
training facility, transportation (if needed) and a $1500 stipend to cover additional
expenses.

To apply:
Submit CV and statement of interest to Carrie Wigton by 8 a.m. AK, 9 a.m., PT, 10 a.m. MT on Monday, May 15.