The National Football League, together with the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), announced on June 25 the roster of medical students who will participate in the 2024 NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. Selected and matched with the Detroit Lions is Marquisha Myles from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
Launched in 2022, the league-wide program aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and, over time, help to diversify NFL club medical staffs.
“I'm beyond excited to join the Detroit Lions this August as part of the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, said Myles. “I am truly inspired by the NFL's commitment to diversity, which is a significant step towards making medicine more inclusive and representative of various backgrounds.”
Student clinical rotations will begin as training camps open for the 2024 NFL season next month. During her one-month rotation, Myles will observe and participate in the care of NFL players, working directly with and under the supervision of the Henry Ford Health orthopedic team physicians, primary care team physicians, athletic trainers, dietitians, mental health clinicians, strength & conditioning coaches, equipment managers, and others to gain medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine.
“We are thrilled to work with Marquisha and be part of her story as she joins the next great generation of sports medicine physicians,” said Dr. T. Sean Lynch, Henry Ford Health orthopedic surgeon and Detroit Lions head team physician. “The Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University partnership is deeply committed to improving health equity in Michigan and beyond, and this program provides a wonderful opportunity to realize those commitments.”
Students in the Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative will also become familiar with return-to-play protocols and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players. By the end of the rotation, students will understand the basic elements of all facets of care provided to NFL players from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine and athletic training perspective.