Florida State University is deepening its investment in advanced medical training and care in Northwest Florida through a new partnership between the FSU College of Medicine and the Andrews Research & Education Foundation.
The agreement, which became effective Aug. 1, brings the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Fellowship and the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship under FSU sponsorship. The fellowships are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
“This partnership reflects the strong collaborations we are building that expand educational opportunity, support world-class research and improve the health of communities across our state,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “We’re excited to team up with Andrews and continue growing FSU’s impact in Northwest Florida.”
Fellowships provide advanced, specialized training that a doctor undertakes after completing medical school and residency, giving them the skills and experience they need to manage both routine health issues and more complex cases.
“For nearly two decades, the Andrews Institute has provided unparalleled care to the residents of Northwest Florida and beyond,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine. “At Florida State, we continually seek to partner with the best-of-the-best and we are delighted to enter this partnership with Andrews. This agreement strengthens our commitment to advancing medical education and improving community health throughout North Florida.”
The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Fellowship will accept four fellows, while the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship offers one fellowship slot. With these latest additions, the FSU College of Medicine sponsors 26 programs with more than 330 residents and fellows. It also expands the footprint and positive impact of FSU Health, a transformational initiative to improve health in North Florida by leveraging FSU’s cutting-edge research capabilities and educational programs to forge new partnerships with clinical partners like Andrews.
“This partnership unites two respected institutions with a shared mission to elevate clinical research, academic excellence and innovative patient care,” said Ashton Hayward, president, Andrews Research & Education Foundation. “By leveraging Florida-based talent, the collaboration will foster groundbreaking work in musculoskeletal science, regenerative medicine, biomechanics and surgical innovation. Together, AREF and FSU will create new opportunities for trainees, researchers and health care professionals to contribute to the growth of medical knowledge and improve outcomes for patients throughout Florida and beyond.”
According to Bill Boyer, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for all sponsored GME programs at the College of Medicine, program accreditation and sponsoring institutions are important to fellowship applicants.
“People look to see if a program is university-sponsored,” Boyer said. “They look to see if it is accredited. All of our programs have either initial accreditation or full accreditation and, of course, FSU is continually accredited. Reputation also helps and FSU’s GME programs are known as some of the best — and we fill every slot each year. This, coupled with the outstanding reputation of Andrews will attract the best talent to these programs and to Northwest Florida.”