The NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) are committed to increasing opportunities for students interested in sports medicine. The NFL Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative was developed to encourage medical students from a variety of backgrounds to consider sports medicine careers, and over time, grow the talent pipeline for NFL club medical staffs.

The program provides medical students with the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation with NFL club medical staffs across the league. During their rotations, students observe and participate in the care of players in NFL club settings. 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 become familiar with return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players. 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 understand the basic elements of all facets of care provided to NFL players from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine and athletic training perspective.

The program began in 2022 with fourteen students from four medical schools, and in 2023, expanded league-wide. In 2024, students from 21 medical schools rotated with clubs across the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The NFL, NFLPS and PFATS are committed to expanding access to sports medicine. We launched this initiative to encourage medical students to consider careers in sports medicine and provide mentorship to third- and fourth-year medical students at a critical juncture in their medical school journey.

By observing and participating in the care of player-patients alongside club medical and athletic training staff, medical students gain invaluable exposure to the day-to-day interactions and responsibilities of NFL medical staff and patient care in sports medicine. The initiative also offers students the opportunity to cultivate mentors and grow their network among the talented professionals across NFL club medical staffs, who specialize in different areas of medicine and come from a variety of backgrounds.

Ultimately, the program aims to broaden the pipeline of medical professionals entering the field of sports medicine in the years to come.

Q: Who do the medical students work with during their clinical rotations?

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.

More frequently asked questions and answers can be found here.