After participating in a clinical rotation with the Houston Texans this summer, Analisa Narro, a fourth-year student with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, gained valuable insights from the experience.
The rotation was part of the NFL’s 2023 Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, in which 19 medical schools, including McGovern Medical School, participated to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and help diversify NFL club medical staffs.
During her month-long rotation, Narro observed and participated in the care of players, working directly with orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, and athletic trainers. She also learned return-to-play guidelines and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players.
Narro expressed her excitement about the high-level sports medicine experience, highlighting the opportunity to learn from the professionals in the field.
A day in the life
At NRG Stadium, Narro observed the attending physicians performing physicals on the Texans, monitored practice for injuries, and engaged in discussions on sports medicine topics with athletic trainers. She also had the opportunity to learn about various orthopedic topics from team physicians on a daily basis.
One of the highlights for Narro was being on the sidelines during a preseason game, where she witnessed how team physicians managed different injuries.
Making connections
Outside of the stadium, Narro shadowed team physicians and orthopedic surgeons, making connections with well-established professionals who provided valuable advice for her future in orthopedics.
Diversity
Narro’s experience highlighted the importance of diversity in sports medicine and the underrepresentation of diverse medical students in training. She looks forward to building mentor-mentee relationships with younger Hispanic women who are interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine.
Source:
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)