Inglewood, Colorado — The Broncos will participate in the league’s Sports Medicine Pipeline Diversity Initiative, jointly announced Monday by the NFL, the NFL Physicians Association (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Association (PFATS).
Now in its second year, the program enrolls medical students interested in primary care sports medicine and orthopedics on a one-month clinical rotation with an NFL club. Students work directly with orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, and athletic trainers to gain medical knowledge and learn about patient care in sports medicine.
“Working to gain diverse representation across all roles in the league remains a top priority, and this program will grow our pipeline of diverse sports medicine professionals,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. , helps to make a tangible impact to strengthen.” “We know diversity makes us stronger at every level and we look forward to welcoming the 2023 class to the player care teams of clubs across the league.”
Last year’s first class consisted of 14 students who had completed eight NFL club rotations from four medical schools at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This year’s program was further expanded to include an additional 15 institutions.
The Sports Medicine Pipeline Diversity Initiative is part of the league’s broader commitment to ensuring that the staff and leaders of league offices and NFL clubs reflect the racial and gender makeup of America. With respect to NFL club medical staff, this initiative builds on existing efforts to increase diversity across the NFL Medical Commission by recruiting diverse medical staff as positions become available in all roles.
As the program continues to grow, the league will further expand its pipeline efforts over the next few years, adding additional members of the NFL’s player care “Team Behind Teams,” including physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists and medical practitioners. We aim to include additional areas, including roles. Occupational therapist, nutritionist, and behavioral health clinician.