Memorial Hermann Health System is the largest not-for-profit health system in Southeast Texas. With 17* hospitals, over 6,700 affiliated physicians and numerous specialty programs, Memorial Hermann is focused on advancing the health of the communities we serve.

Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute offers advanced practitioners the opportunity to complete a Sports Fellowship in Division 1 athletics through its partnership with the University of Houston and Texas A&M University. Applicants are required to have graduated residency or already have an advanced certification through the APTA (OCS or SCS). The program affords fellows with a unique immersion into the field of Division 1 athletics through an experiential-based learning model. This allows for access to unique learning opportunities, with over 150 hours of one-on-one clinical mentorship with board-certified and fellowship-trained clinicians. Fellows will navigate through the program in 10 months, beginning in June/July of each year and finishing in May. Applications are open on an annual basis in the fall/winter. Please apply through the Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS). For more information on the application process please visit the ABPTRFE directory of programs.

For questions regarding the physical therapy fellowship program, please email: Brian.Duncan@memorialhermann.org

Application Information

Located in the world's largest medical center, and its surrounding areas, the opportunities for learning are vast. With collaboration from both D1 college athletics sports medicine teams and Memorial Hermann's top-quality sports medicine clinicians, there is never a shortage of unique experiences.

Application Requirements

• Due December 1 each year
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter of intent
• 2-3 professional reference
• Proof of ABPTS specialist certification (SCS, OCS) or completion of ABPTRFE accredited residency in Sports or Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Prior to starting the fellowship, the following must obtain:

• Valid PT license in Texas
• Certified Athletic Trainer OR Emergency Responder for Athletes OR Licensed EMT

Apply Here Financial Factsheet

Unrivaled Opportunities

Located in the world’s largest medical center, and its surrounding areas, the opportunities for learning are vast. With collaboration from both D1 college athletics sports medicine teams and Memorial Hermann’s top-quality sports medicine clinicians, there is never a shortage of unique experiences.

Top-Quality Mentorship & Faculty

Our program prides itself on developing leaders in the field of physical therapy. Our mentors invest heavily into the fellows’ academic, professional and personal growth. The depth of experience in residency and fellowship training means each fellow receives a personalized experience focused around achieving their goals through mentorship from top orthopedic and sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers and strength coaches.

In-Depth Curriculum

With a curriculum designed for multidisciplinary collaboration, the fellow will have the unique opportunity to become a leader in inter-professional communication. Fellows will be immersed within the University of Houston or Texas A&M University Division 1 Athletics Program that allows for onsite mentorship from athletic trainers, team physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, sports psychologists and sports physical therapists. Fellows will also work alongside orthopedic surgery fellows, primary care sports medicine fellows and masters of athletic training students as they go through sections of their didactic curriculum.

Additionally, the fellows work through their sports-specific rehab curriculum as they progress through the program with lectures and labs from specialists within the field. While treating in the clinic, fellows will work closely with Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute Human Performance team, including strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians and biomechanists to successfully return their athletes to peak performance. Lastly, fellows will have the opportunity to work alongside our research team to develop and execute a clinically meaningful research project for submission to national conferences and future publication.

Our goal is to provide a robust experience and introduction to the world of Division 1 athletics while giving the fellows the tools to reach their full potential through structured mentorship, diverse curriculum and leadership training.

Curriculum Components:

• Sport-Specific Rehab Considerations and Return to Play lecture series
• Affiliated Orthopedic fellows' grand rounds, lectures and surgical skills labs
• Affiliated Primary Care Sports Medicine fellows' lecture series
• Emergency Medicine lecture series
• Adjunct Teaching

For More Information

Dexter Upton PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Director, Rockets Sports Medicine Institute – Memorial City
Coordinator, Division 1 PT Fellowship
10125 Katy Fwy Suite 100
Houston, Tx 77024
Dexter.Upton@memorialhermann.org

Brian R. Duncan, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Director, Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute – Shepherd Square
Director, Division 1 PT Fellowship
2085 Westheimer
Houston, Tx 77098
Brian.Duncan@memorialhermann.org