We aim to foster a nurturing environment where our fellows evolve into adept clinicians, academicians, and visionary leaders. We are committed to equipping our fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance patient health and well-being, ensuring the delivery of safe, innovative, and compassionate care to patients and their families.
At Lakeland Regional Health, physicians in training experience the ideal balance of academic rigor, high-volume clinical exposure, and personalized mentorship within one of Florida’s largest and fastest-growing healthcare systems. Located in the heart of Polk County, Lakeland Regional Health serves a uniquely diverse and rapidly expanding patient population, offering residents and fellows exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology, acuity, and clinical complexity. As a 910-bed tertiary medical center and one of the busiest emergency departments in the nation, Lakeland Regional Health provides an exceptional environment for developing confident, capable, and compassionate physicians prepared to thrive in any future practice setting. The institution’s commitment to innovation, evidence-based medicine, and multidisciplinary collaboration ensures trainees receive a modern, forward-thinking medical education grounded in outstanding patient care.
Lakeland Regional Health offers a uniquely dynamic environment for physicians seeking advanced training in Primary Care Sports Medicine. Fellows have the opportunity to care for a wide range of athletes and active individuals—from youth and high school competitors to collegiate athletes, “weekend warriors,” and patients striving to maintain lifelong wellness. As one of the region’s leading healthcare systems, Lakeland Regional Health combines the resources of a large tertiary medical center with the close mentorship and hands-on experience of a growing academic program. Fellows benefit from exposure to high-volume musculoskeletal and sports injury care, sideline and event coverage opportunities, concussion management, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, and collaborative interdisciplinary care with specialists in orthopedic surgery, athletic training, physical therapy, and several other specialties.
What sets Lakeland Regional Health apart is its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and individualized physician development. Fellows train within a health system recognized for advanced rehabilitation services, evidence-based sports medicine practices, and strong institutional investment in graduate medical education. The program’s location in Central Florida also provides year-round opportunities for athletic participation and sports coverage in a rapidly growing and active community. With access to local schools, collegiate programs, and community sporting events, fellows gain meaningful real-world experience managing athletes across all ages and levels of competition. The supportive culture fosters mentorship, autonomy, and professional growth while preparing graduates for successful careers in academic medicine, community practice, team physician roles, or further specialization within sports medicine.
Beyond exceptional clinical training, Lakeland and Polk County offer an outstanding quality of life that makes fellowship training both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable. Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland provides an affordable cost of living, easy access to Florida’s beaches and attractions, and a welcoming community atmosphere ideal for physicians and their families. Fellows can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, a vibrant local sports culture, and the benefits of living in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. Combined with the energy and momentum of an expanding academic health system, Lakeland Regional Health offers an environment where fellows can thrive clinically, academically, and personally while becoming the next generation of leaders in Primary Care Sports Medicine.
Formal didactics occur weekly, for 2 hours, and includes topics in diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, journal club, administration, musculoskeletal injuries and other foundational sports medicine topics.
48-52 Sessions
6 Sessions
12 Sessions
12 Sessions
6-10 Sessions
12 Sessions
Lakeland, the largest city in Polk County, has kept its small-town personality over the years and yet continues to become a vibrant and growing city. Conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakelanders have many ways to celebrate the climate, culture and opportunities available both in the local area and throughout Central Florida. World-class shopping, major sports franchises and entertainment venues in Tampa and Orlando and beaches on both the east and west coasts of Florida are all a quick drive away.
Lakeland Regional Health offers a competitive benefits package. Beyond our standard tuition reimbursement program, retirement plans, paid time off, and a comprehensive health and benefit plan, we also offer the following extended benefits for fellows of our Graduate Medical Education Program:
Applicants must submit a complete application via ERAS. Residents will be chosen through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
