Dr. Tyler Browning has become the first Fellow in a new primary care sports medicine fellowship program in Northern Kentucky. The program is a joint partnership between Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers, St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine and the St. Elizabeth Family Practice Center. The Fellowship is an ACGME (Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education) accredited one-year fellowship training program.

“We have seen an increased need for athletic treatment and care in the community and felt it was a good idea to pool our talents to train local physicians,” says Matthew DesJardins, M.D., who specializes in non-surgical sports medicine at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers.

Beginning with Dr. Browning in 2012, St. Elizabeth and Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers will train one physician per year. The training program will be a very intense specialized year of training, preparing the physician to provide comprehensive care to active individuals. In addition to the evaluation and management of injuries, the sports medicine specialist will be equipped to help local communities focus on wellness and the prevention of injuries and illnesses. The program will expand and enhance sports medicine care and medical illnesses beyond musculoskeletal issues. It will also focus on the coordinated care of athletes dealing with other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis and exercise-induced asthma.

“Our youth sports programs in this country have significantly grown during the past 20 years,” says Mike Miller, M.D., Medical Director at the St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine Center. “We have more young individuals participating in sports than ever before. In addition, more and more adults are recognizing the benefits of regular exercise. Unfortunately, overuse injuries are on the rise and it will be critical that our healthcare system is prepared to handle the increased demands of these active individuals.”

Dr. Browning completed his residency at the St. Elizabeth Family Practice Center. He will act as team physician for Scott High School and assist at Thomas More College. He will also continue to see patients in primary care at the Family Practice Center. His fellowship began in July 2012.