Fourth-year medical student Alexis LeMone recently completed a one-month clinical rotation with the Carolina Panthers as part of the NFL’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. LeMone was one of 29 medical students across the country selected to partake in the rotation where she observed and participated in the care of NFL players and worked directly with and under the supervision of the team physicians and athletic trainers.
LeMone, a former Division I swimmer, spent her rotation with the Panthers working at the stadium and in the clinic and operating room (OR). At the stadium, she worked closely with team surgeons, physicians, and athletic trainers to assist in providing direct care to the players. LeMone attended team practices and assisted with sideline coverage during a home game against the New York Jets. Her main role was to support team clinicians in handling any acute orthopaedic injuries and accessing players on the field or after practices and games, depending on the severity.
The other portion of her time was spent rotating in clinic with orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. LeMone also helped with continuity of care for players which entailed seeing some of them later in the week during clinic for follow-up evaluations. She also shadowed and assisted her attendings in their regular clinic and OR days.
LeMone credits the School of Medicine with preparing her for her upcoming residency not only through the education and curriculum aspects but also through autonomous learning in the hospital and clinical settings.
