Alumni from Top-rated Caribbean Med School Share Experiences and Advice for Securing a Fellowship in the Highly Competitive Specialty

NEW YORK, April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The University of Medicine and Health Sciences, (UMHS), a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada, has published the recording of a recent panel discussion, "Career Opportunities in Sports Medicine." The event featured a discussion with UMHS alumni Dr. Soren Estvold ('18), a Sports Medicine Fellow at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and Dr. Grant Ralston ('19), a Sports Medicine Fellow at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The panelists described how they secured a fellowship in the highly competitive specialty of sports medicine, discussed the unique aspects of treating patients ranging from college athletes to active-duty military personnel, and shared practical advice for students interested in pursuing career opportunities in sports medicine. A complete recording of the event has been posted to the UMHS YouTube Live Events page.

The conversation began with a description of sports medicine, which refers to the treatment of injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. The panelists noted that sports medicine isn't just for elite athletes. Sports medicine physicians treat people of all ages who sustain injuries from active lifestyles or participation in sports. They diagnose injuries, make treatment recommendations, and may refer patients to orthopedic surgeons or other specialists when necessary. These doctors work in diverse settings, including colleges, clinics, hospitals, or private practices, and often lead medical teams alongside coaches, physical therapists, and athletic trainers.

As a former college athlete who ran track, Dr. Ralston set his sights on sports medicine early in his medical training. Describing how he earned his fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, home to the celebrated Razorbacks football team, he noted that he took a very intentional path.

"I did my entire third year of clinical rotations in Detroit and scheduled my fourth year in places I wanted to do a residency that included a Sports Medicine department," said Dr. Ralston about landing a coveted spot at the SEC school. "It's fun traveling with the teams. Some of the athletes you are treating will eventually be in the NFL. The hours can be long, but it's what I love so it doesn't feel like work.'

By contrast, Dr. Estvold was working in Family Medicine and discovered that as an active duty Air Force member, he was eligible to apply to a Sports Medicine fellowship, and was ultimately one of six doctors selected from across the country for the highly competitive post. According to Dr. Estvold, working as a physician in the military offers some unique advantages.

"I work on base treating both enlisted folks and veterans, and spend a few days a week working in a civilian orthopedic clinic," said Dr. Estvold. "We have plenty of time to work with our patients in the military versus working in a private hospital. The security of working for the military is great, and the pay and healthcare benefits are great. In terms of post-military plans, I can decide whether to re-enlist in the military or go into private practice with an orthopedic group."

Throughout the discussion, the doctors fielded questions from the audience. Many of the questions focused on career advice, and the UMHS alumni offered practical suggestions for interested students.

"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there," said Dr. Estvold. "Start networking. Start volunteering for teams. See if you can shadow a sports medicine doctor or work in an orthopedic clinic."

"For fellowships, there may be only one or two fellows, so just let people know you are interested in a program," said Dr. Ralston. "Try to connect with someone who can teach you the steps to become a sports medicine physician."

The talk was the latest in a series of livestream events featuring UMHS students, faculty, and alumni sharing their expertise on topics targeted toward current and prospective medical students and healthcare professionals. Dr. Estvold has previously led livestream discussions focused on LGBTQ+ healthcare. Other events hosted by UMHS include:

• Primary Care Spotlight: Internal Medicine v. Family Medicine
• Medical Specialty Spotlight: What is an Anesthesiologist?
• Primary Care Spotlight: What is a Hospitalist?

Links to view all past discussions may be found by visiting the UMHS live events and webinars page.

About UMHS
The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), is a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada. UMHS was founded in 2007 by medical education pioneers Warren and Robert Ross to deliver a highly personalized school experience. Graduates of UMHS earn a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) and qualify to practice medicine throughout the United States and Canada. Students begin their Basic Science studies in St. Kitts, West Indies, and complete their clinical training in the United States. With an unprecedented 96% student retention rate, the vast majority of students that begin their medical studies at UMHS go on to obtain residencies. For more information, visit https://www.umhs-sk.org/.

Media Contact

Megan Leer, UMHS, 619-708-9500, [email protected], https://www.umhs-sk.org/

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SOURCE UMHS