Sports Medicine Assistant Residency Program

Athlete preparing to run

Sports medicine is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that combines the principles of musculoskeletal care, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization to help patients achieve and maintain active, healthy lifestyles. As demand for specialized sports medicine services continues to grow among athletes and physically active individuals of all ages, physician assistants play an increasingly important role in delivering high-quality, team-based care. The Sports Medicine Physician Assistant Residency at Ochsner Health provides an immersive postgraduate training experience designed to prepare physician assistants for advanced clinical practice in this specialized area of medicine.

Training within a leading healthcare system offers residents the opportunity to develop expertise through direct patient care, hands-on learning, and close collaboration with experienced sports medicine professionals. Residents are exposed to a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports-related injuries, gaining valuable experience in evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term patient management. Through participation in both clinical and educational activities, trainees develop the confidence and clinical judgment necessary to care for patients across a variety of athletic and orthopedic settings.

The residency emphasizes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to sports medicine. Residents work alongside physicians, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals who share a commitment to optimizing patient outcomes and supporting recovery. This collaborative environment fosters professional growth while providing exposure to the latest advancements in sports medicine, injury prevention, rehabilitation strategies, and evidence-based care.

Beyond clinical skill development, the program encourages lifelong learning, professional excellence, and leadership within the healthcare community. Residents benefit from mentorship, educational conferences, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of the complex relationship between physical activity, performance, and overall health.

For physician assistants seeking specialized training in sports medicine, Ochsner offers a unique opportunity to learn within a respected healthcare system known for innovation, education, and patient-centered care. Through rigorous clinical experiences and dedicated mentorship, the Sports Medicine Physician Assistant Residency prepares graduates to excel as highly skilled providers and valuable members of multidisciplinary sports medicine teams.

To provide advanced clinical and didactic education to Athletic Trainers and other clinical assistants in the specialty area of Orthopaedics. During this 13-month immersive clinical and educational experience, the Resident will accomplish the following:

  • Demonstrate increased depth of knowledge in Orthopaedics through completion of an advanced and flexible curriculum.
  • Improve clinical and surgical skills through structured and supervised skill proficiency training and practice.
  • Improve appraisal of evidence-based concepts through study and presentation of peer-reviewed literature.
  • Collaborate with members of the patient care team within the physician practice setting.
  • Participate in quality improvement and research efforts through collection of patient-reported outcomes.

The ideal candidate for our residency program exhibits a strong desire to learn and develop skills within the specialty area of orthopedics. Applicants must also embody the Ochsner Core Values which demonstrate commitment to seeking excellence in patient care. The Core Values are:

  • Patients are always our First priority.
  • Always act with Integrity.
  • Approach every experience with Compassion.
  • Inclusivity inspires us to do our best.
  • Excellence is an ongoing journey.
  • Teamwork makes us stronger.