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MUSC Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship

The MUSC Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Our mission is to train future leaders in sports medicine through hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative, patient-centered care.

Each year, we welcome two fellows from diverse primary care backgrounds—Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and PM&R—who are passionate about working at the intersection of medicine and athletics.

What You'll Learn

Fellows work side-by-side with our experienced primary care sports medicine faculty, gaining immersive clinical experience across key domains:

  • Injury Prevention:  Evidence-based strategies to reduce injury risk.

  • Injury Evaluation and Diagnosis: Clinical expertise in acute and overuse injury assessment 

  • Rehabilitation and Non-Surgical Management: Hands-on skills to guide recovery and optimize performance

  • Team Physician Leadership: Direct experience managing athletes and teams across all levels of competition

  • Concussion Management: Fellows are deeply involved in the evaluation, treatment, and return-to-play clearance of athletes with concussions, utilizing SCAT6, neurocognitive tools, and interdisciplinary protocols

Fellows also rotate with Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeons, deepening their understanding of surgical indications, imaging, and procedural collaboration.

 

Robust Didactics & Hands-On Ultrasound Curriculum

Our fellows benefit from a structured didactic schedule designed to support CAQ preparation and advance clinical acumen. Educational sessions are case-based, interactive, and often interdisciplinary, covering both foundational topics and emerging trends in sports medicine.

Key didactic topics include:

  • Musculoskeletal exam skills and functional anatomy

  • Advanced imaging interpretation (X-ray, MRI, MSK ultrasound)

  • Concussion diagnosis, management, SCAT6/SCOAT6 training, and return-to-learn/play protocol

  • Exercise physiology and sports cardiology

  • Nutrition, supplements, and performance enhancement

  • Emergency sideline care and event preparedness

  • Return-to-play decision-making and legal considerations

  • Doping, anti-doping, and therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs)

  • Athlete mental health and performance psychology

  • Wearable technology, AI, and innovation in sports monitoring

  • Billing, documentation, and practice management in sports medicine

Fellows also complete a comprehensive longitudinal musculoskeletal ultrasound curriculum, which includes:

  • Hands-on diagnostic and interventional scanning in clinic with faculty

  • Dedicated scanning labs and ultrasound teaching sessions

Ultrasound-guided procedures such as:

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

  • Corticosteroid and visco-supplementation

  • Hydrodissection, aspiration, and regenerative approaches

 

Sideline to Stadium: Unparalleled Sports Coverage

What sets our program apart is the breadth and depth of real-world sports coverage. Fellows are embedded in diverse athletic environments and develop true team physician experience through hands-on involvement with:

  • Charleston Battery: USL Pro Soccer Charleston

  • RiverDogs (MiLB Tampa Bay Rays Affiliate): Minor League Baseball

  • South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL / Washington Capitals Affiliate): Professional Hockey

  • College of Charleston & The Citadel: NCAA Division I Athletics

  • Charleston-area High Schools: Head Team Physician roles 

  • Cooper River Bridge Run: One of the largest 10k races in the U.S.

  • LOWVELO Bike Ride: Charleston's premier cycling event supporting cancer research

Fellows gain significant exposure to on-field emergencies, musculoskeletal injuries, and concussion care in dynamic, high-pressure environments, preparing them to confidently lead at all levels of sport.

Why Charleston?

Charleston is a fantastic place to live and work, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The downtown area is home to numerous historical sites, top-tier restaurants, and scenic parks. Surrounding communities boast beautiful beaches, grand plantations, and numerous golf courses, providing plenty of opportunities for leisurely activities.

For more information on the area, please visit the Charleston Community Guide. We are proud to share some of Charleston’s recent accolades:

  • #1 Hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report

  • #1 Small City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler (2010-2024)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a fellowship that offers clinical excellence, procedural mastery, sideline experience, and a truly livable coastal lifestyle. We’d love to talk with you about our program. Reach out with questions or to schedule a visit—we look forward to hearing from you.. 

Program Director Dr. Alec DeCastro

Alec DeCastro, MD

Program Director