The NFL is taking a significant step towards increasing diversity in sports medicine with the expansion of its Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to provide opportunities for medical students from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in sports medicine.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams participating in the initiative, with Faith Kehinde, a third-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, taking part. Kehinde, who is focused on orthopedics, will complete a one-month clinical rotation with the team’s medical staff.
Increasing diversity in sports medicine
“I’m incredibly excited to have been chosen for this program, looking forward to learning from the best of the best,” said Kehinde.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS), and Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS). It aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine.
Training camps are set to begin in late July
“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,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. “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.”
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.
Gaining experience in sports medicine
The initiative is part of the NFL’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in sports medicine. By providing opportunities for medical students from diverse backgrounds, the NFL hopes to create a more diverse and inclusive medical community.
Creating a more diverse and inclusive medical community
As the NFL prepares for the start of training camps, the league is also gearing up for the preseason. The full schedule has been announced, with the Hall of Fame Game matchup between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears kicking off the season on August 1.
The NFL preseason schedule
With the Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative and the start of training camps, the NFL is taking significant steps towards creating a more diverse and inclusive medical community and preparing for the upcoming season.
Preparing for the upcoming season
