The most important indicator of the success of a training program is found in the outcomes of the graduates upon completion of their training.

Steven Hung, M.D.

Residency: Peace Health / UW (Vancouver, WA), Family Medicine

What was most rewarding about your training at Mayo Clinic? The breadth of my clinical experience was one of the most rewarding aspects of fellowship. I had the opportunity to care for patients across the spectrum of sports medicine, from high-level professional and NCAA athletes to recreational athletes and older adults looking to maintain an active lifestyle. I also learned tremendously from observing faculty’s clinical decision-making, particularly how they evaluated each patient's goals, risks, and progress when determining a safe and appropriate return to sport. This wide range of experiences gave me the clinical skills and confidence to begin my career practicing non-operative sports medicine and orthopedics.

I also greatly valued the opportunities to teach. Through weekly didactics, ultrasound teaching and live scanning sessions, residency teaching days, and workshops at regional and national conferences, I became much more comfortable teaching both trainees and practicing physicians. These experiences strengthened not only my knowledge of sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound, but also my confidence interacting with physicians from a variety of specialties and settings. I left fellowship feeling well prepared not only to care for patients, but also to contribute as an educator and colleague within the sports medicine community.

What was fellow life like for you? It was busy but life-changing. As the only fellow, I felt very valued, with weekly didactic sessions usually involving multiple faculty members and myself. There was never any pressure around productivity on the business side, and Mayo Clinic’s three shields of patient care, education, and research were evident every day. There was also never a shortage of sports coverage opportunities, including UNF Osprey sports, football, soccer, tennis, golf,  beach volleyball, triathlon, surfing, and gymnastics.

Daniel Almodovar-Frau, M.D.

Residency: University of Puerto Rico (San Juan, PR), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

What was most rewarding about your training at Mayo Clinic? One of the most fulfilling aspects of my training at this institution has been the exceptionally strong trainee-mentor relationship that I've had the privilege to experience. The program's faculty not only possess impressive expertise in the field of sports medicine but also demonstrate a genuine dedication to nurturing the next generation of practitioners. The opportunity to engage with different healthcare professionals with a particular focus on a multidisciplinary approach to patient care has provided me with a holistic perspective that extends beyond medical interventions.

What was fellow life like for you? Mayo Clinic provides a dynamic and enriching learning environment between sports coverages, clinic, didactics, journal clubs, and case discussions ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. One of the things that I like the most is the excellent work-life balance as the institution does a great job in prioritizing trainee personal health and wellness. Each day brings new experiences and knowledge opportunities that make the journey incredibly rewarding.

Jeffrey Nadwodny, D.O.

Residency: Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (Jacksonville, FL), Family Medicine

What was most rewarding about your training at Mayo Clinic? The foundation upon which Mayo Clinic is built with its core mission and values that the needs of the patient come first was exemplified every day during my training. It’s very rewarding to work in such a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment that prioritizes the needs of the patient and delivers the best care possible. In sports medicine specifically, there's a great team of providers in primary care sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, athletic training, and physical therapy who all work together to get our patients back to the activity and sport they enjoy. Lastly, we had lots of opportunities to work with local organizations, universities, and high schools that allow us to give back and be part of the Jacksonville community.

What was fellow life like for you? Every day was different and fun, which I enjoyed! There was an excellent mix during the week between clinic, elective, didactics, ultrasound training, dedicated research time, sports coverage, and training room. During clinic, we spent the time we needed with our patients without feeling rushed, having the opportunity to perform point of care ultrasound to help with our diagnosis or performed same appointment injections. All the consultants provided excellent teaching and feedback to support my growth personally and professionally. We had a great staff in clinic who helped support the team and allowed clinic to run smoothly. I felt supported with the appropriate amount of autonomy. Most importantly, personal health and wellness were priorities and I was easily able to maintain a good work-life balance.

Tyler Schmitz, D.O.

Residency: East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine (Kingsport, TN), Family medicine

What did you love about the fellowship program? The faculty mentorship, well-rounded academic curriculum, ultrasound procedure experience, and academic opportunities.

How did Mayo help you to reach your career goals? I gained a strong foundation in musculoskeletal ultrasound and musculoskeletal injury evaluation and treatment. Mayo prepared me to be a leader and professional in the field.