Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship

25

Active Clinical Trials

370,265

Patient Encounters in 2024

95

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2024

29,429

Surgical Cases in 2024

About the Fellowship



Houston Methodist Hospital has been ranked the #1 hospital in Texas by U.S. News & World Report for 23 years in a row. It is nationally ranked in 8 specialities,  including orthopedics where it is ranked #1 in Houston. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is one of the largest, most active programs in the nation. Our skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians, physical and occupational therapists and athletic trainers use the latest innovative techniques and pioneer new technology to deliver exceptional care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

We provide care to many of the elite athletes in and around Houston, making this a true sports medicine program with unparalleled access to a broad spectrum of athletes. We are the official health care provider for the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB) and Rice University Athletics (NCAA). Through the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM), we also provide care to the Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera. In addition to in-office consultations and surgical and nonsurgical treatment, fellows assist with sideline, training room, spring training coverage, and draft preparation. Fellows learn how to interact with elite athletes, coaches, trainers and agents.

 


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We also have one of the largest athletic trainer outreach program in the country, and have affiliations with over 98 area schools. The fellows assist with the care of these athletes through providing game coverage, pre-participation physicals and training room evaluations. The Fellows also provide care to the NASA Astronaut Corps by performing regular visits to Johnson Space Center.

The faculty outpatient offices are located in Outpatient Center, which is connected by walkway to the main hospital building. The orthopedic surgery department occupies the entire 25th floor of the Outpatient Center, with an orthopedic-focused operating suite on the 19th floor of the same building.

This is a one-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited fellowship. In thanks and recognition of the very generous support from the Houston Texans Foundation, we have now named all Sports Fellows the Houston Texans Scholars. The sports medicine fellowship is an intensive training program in advanced techniques within sports medicine, with extensive exposure to caring for elite athletes, both collegiate and professional. The sheer volume of clinical experience our fellows get - both in scope and breadth - makes our program unique. As an AOSSM-accredited program, this allows graduates to obtain their Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine.
Our Program Faculty
David Lintner, MD
Program Director, Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship
Sports Medicine Section Chief
Team Physician for the Houston Astros, Houston Texans
Patrick McCulloch, MD
Co-Program Director, Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship
John S. Dunn Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
Head Team Physician: Rice University
Team Physician: Houston Astros, Houston Ballet
Ortho Consultant: NASA Astronaut Corps
Joshua Harris, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Faculty
Taylor Brown, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Faculty
Michael Hopson, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Faculty

Eligibility and Application

Thank you for your interest in our Sports Medicine Fellowship program. Our program participates in the AANA/AOSSM Sports Medicine Match administered by the San Francisco Match (SFMatch) for the application, interview and selection process:

To be eligible for a fellowship position, certain criteria must be met:


Criteria
  • Completed a residency training in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited Orthopedic Surgery residency program
  • Good professional character with at least three letters of recommendation attesting to your academic and personal qualifications
  • A graduate of a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), or a college of osteopathic medicine in the U.S. accredited by the AOA, or a medical school outside the U.S. and Canada with a current valid certificate from ECFMG prior to appointment, or have completed a Fifth Pathway program through an LCME-accredited medical school
  • Licensable in the State of Texas and obtain before beginning training a physician-in-training (PIT) permit or a valid Texas medical license
  • Permanent resident status or be eligible for a J-1 visa, if a non-U.S. citizen
  • We will not be accepting applications of Foreign Medical Graduates, unless they have met the above criteria (www.acgme.org).

Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees, and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.


Responsibility
  • Drug and Tobacco Screening- Job seekers will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If a job seeker tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded. If the job seeker tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
  • Background Check - Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.

To begin the application process, you must submit the necessary materials through San Francisco Match: 


Materials
  • Complete MATCH application
  • Personal statement
  • Wallet-sized color photograph
  • USMLE transcript
  • ECFMG status report (International Medical Graduates (IMGs) only)
  • Three letters of recommendation (including letter from program director of current training program)
Our Fellows
In thanks and recognition of the very generous support from the Houston Texans Foundation, we have now named all Sports Medicine Fellows the Houston Texans Scholars.
Patrick Naeger, MD
Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch
Reza Ojaghi, MD
Residency: University of Ottawa
Andrew Riga, MD
Residency: University of Florida Jacksonville
Our Alumni

In thanks and recognition of the very generous support from the Houston Texans Foundation, we have now named all Sports Medicine Fellows the Houston Texans Scholars.

Class of 2024
Davidson Sacolick, MD
Robert Ryan Williams, MD
Samuel Wu, MD

Class of 2023
Justin Chang, MD
Matthew Kraeutler, MD
Eric Wilkinson, MD
         Class of 2022
Dipal Chatterjee-Berfroid, MD
John Kunkel, DO
Kaylan McClary, MD

Class of 2021
Matthew Comley, MD
James Jackson, DO
Matthew Reid, MD

Class of 2020
Harvey Oliver, MD
Hamed Vahedi, MD

Class of 2019
Paul Phillips, MD
Matthew Rubacha, MD
Brent Sinicrope, MD

Class of 2018
Michael Cain, MD
Peter Howard, MD
Cristin Mathew, DO  		        Class of 2017
Emily Cha, MD
Michael Hopson, MD
Edward Walker Gallego, MD

Class of 2016
Neil Duplantier, MD
Jeremiah Palmer, MD
Shazad Shaikh, MD

Class of 2015
Naseem Beauchman, MD
Justin O’Guinn, MD
Russell Russo, MD

Class of 2014
Donald Dolce, MD
Patrick Massey, MD
Craig O’Neill, MD

Class of 2013
Joseph Farber, MD
Kendall Hamilton, MD
Jeffrey Lue, MD  		        Class of 2012
Wasyl Fedoriw, MD
Justin Franz, MD
David Lin, MD

Class of 2011
Aaron Bott, MD
Carlton Houtz, MD

Class of 2010
Jayesh Patel, MD

Class of 2009
Nirav Shah, MD
Bruce Stewart, MD

Class of 2008
John Duggan, MD
Grant Padley, DO

Curriculum

Drawing on the expertise of skilled orthopedic sports medicine surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists, we work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan for each patient from the initial assessment through rehabilitation and recovery. Houston Methodist’s surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all athletic injuries, while offering special expertise in reconstructive surgery and arthroscopic surgery. The fellowship emphasizes hands-on training in a high-volume setting, focusing on special procedures:

  • Knee surgery: ligament repairs, ligament reconstructions, meniscal repairs, meniscal transplant and cartilage transplantation
  • Shoulder surgery: arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery, labral repairs, open shoulder instability surgery, and shoulder arthroplasty
  • Elbow surgery: elbow arthroscopy, biceps and triceps repairs, Tommy John reconstruction
  • Complex surgeries, including revision surgery for failed knee and shoulder surgeries
  • Hip surgery: hip arthroscopy, labral repairs and reconstruction, FAI treatment and related procedures
  • Prehabilitation and rehabilitation, providing patients with instruction on how to avoid injuries, rehabilitation methods, and safe, effective ways to return to their sports

Rotation Schedule

A typical rotation with any faculty member would include two clinic days per week, two surgical days and a research day each week. The fellow will cover an assigned high school training room for a few hours each Monday during football season. The participating facilities are: Houston Methodist Hospital, Kirby Surgery Center (ASC) and First Street Surgery Center (ASC).

Rotation with David Lintner, MD

This rotation has a surgical case mix of approximately 60 percent shoulder/30 percent knee/10 percent elbow. This rotation focuses on throwing shoulder and elbow, including UCL reconstruction. Rotator cuff repair, multi-ligament knee reconstruction and articular cartilage restoration procedures are also performed on this rotation. This rotation includes the evaluation and treatment of professional baseball players, as well as scholastic and recreational athletes. He is the head team physician for the Houston Astros and team physician for the Houston Texans.

Day AM PM
Monday Training Room Research
Tuesday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Wednesday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Thursday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Friday Office (Outpatient) Research
Rotation with Patrick McCulloch, MD

On this rotation, the fellows will gain exposure to a busy referral sports medicine practice. This rotation has the highest surgical volume with approximately 50% shoulder and elbow and 50% knee procedures. This includes arthroscopic and open shoulder cases including arthroplasty. There is a focus on joint preservation surgery, including osteochondral allografts, MACI, osteotomies and meniscus transplant. He is the head team physician for Rice University, team physician for the Houston Astros, Houston Ballet and is a surgical consultant to the NASA Astronaut Corps. Dr. McCulloch also directs the educational program including the conference schedule and bioskills cadaver labs.
Day AM PM
Monday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Tuesday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Wednesday Office (Outpatient) NASA/Research
Thursday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Friday Office (Outpatient) OR (Surgery)/Research
Rotation with Joshua Harris, MD

This rotation focuses almost exclusively on hip arthroscopy, with exposure to one of the highest volume hip arthroscopists in the country. Hip arthroscopy comprises 95% of the surgical cases on this rotation. In-office evaluation of athletic hip pain, hip pain in dancers and treatment of the hip in a non-arthritic population is the primary objective. Dr. Harris works with the Houston Ballet.

Day AM PM
Monday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Tuesday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Wednesday Office (Outpatient) Research
Thursday OR (Surgery) OR (Surgery)
Friday Office (Outpatient) Research
Rotation with Taylor Brown, MD

This rotation focuses on general sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, including knee, shoulder and elbow. This is a split rotation with Dr. Harris.
Day AM PM
Monday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Tuesday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Wednesday OR (Surgery) Research
Thursday Office (Outpatient) Office (Outpatient)
Friday OR (Surgery) Office (Outpatient)
Learning Resources

Structured academic activities include a weekly conference and bioskills labs, which are described below.

Weekly Sports Grand Rounds
Directed by Dr. Patrick McCulloch, these conferences include formal presentations by the faculty and fellows at Houston Methodist and is combined with the primary care sports fellowship. It is video conferenced to our partners in the satellite hospitals for the mutual benefit for athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopedists and primary care sports physicians. Didactic presentations and surgical technical talks are given by attending physicians. Fellows are periodically assigned to prepare care discussions, MRI case correlations, journal club, and M&M. Basic science aspects of clinical topics are routinely covered. See a sample annual conference schedule

2020 - 2021 Sports Medicine Conference Schedule



Bioskills Labs
This lab is held every 6-weeks in the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education (MITIE). It is intended to give both faculty and fellows the opportunity to perform specific procedures on the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. We review surgical skills such as portal placement, knot tying, graft passage, and ultrasound guided injections. Procedures performed include PCL and PL corner reconstructions, hip and elbow arthroscopy, shoulder arthroplasty, elbow ligament reconstruction, and osteotomies. We also review the relevant surgical anatomy for each procedure. In addition, arrangements are made for all fellows and their attendings to travel to several off-site industry-sponsored training courses. This is also an opportunity for the Fellows to help teach orthopedic residents.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are mentored in the process of designing and performing research studies with a goal on having them obtain first-author publications. Funding and protected time is available for fellows to perform their own projects. They are invited to attend the weekly sports medicine research meeting within the department of orthopedic surgery. Other attendees include our full-time research coordination staff, PhD biostatistician, biomechanists, exercise physiologists, and physical therapists. With the excellent funding and support staff, our sports medicine team has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications in the past two years.


Additional Information
Learn more about our regularly scheduled grand rounds.

Get In Touch

Program Contact

Jessica Q. Walsh, MFA
Education Manager
6445 Main St., Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77030
Tel: 713.441.3892
Fax: 713.793.7107
Email: jqwalsh@houstonmethodist.org

Program Director

David Lintner, MD
Program Director
6445 Main St., Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77030
Fax: 713.790.2054

Patrick McCulloch, MD
Co-Program Director
6445 Main St., Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77030
Fax: 713.790.2058

Upcoming Academic Events

Grand rounds, tumor boards, regularly scheduled series and case presentations are offered in multiple clinical disciplines and Houston Methodist locations.
Chao Seminar - Doo Yeon Kim, PhD
Houston Methodist Research Institute

Doo Yeon Kim, PhD

Jul 14 @ 12PM

See Details
Individual Development Plan

Michelle Swick, PhD, Research Development Associate, Office of Faculty & Research Development

Jul 22 @ 11AM

See Details

19,600

Grand Rounds conducted in 2023
These educational events are held according to varying schedules by departments and divisions within the Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Explore the following:

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