June 25, 2024
Today, the National Football League, in collaboration with the NFL Physicians Association (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), announced the roster of medical students who will participate in the NFL Sports Medicine Diversity Pipeline Initiative for the class of 2024. Selected and matched with the Detroit Lions is Markeesha Miles from Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.
Launching in 2022, the league-wide program aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and, in the long term, contribute to diversifying NFL club medical staffs.
“I am excited to join the Detroit Lions in August as part of the NFL’s Sports Medicine Diversity Pipeline Initiative,” said Markeesha Miles, M.D., of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. “I’m really impressed with the NFL’s diversity efforts. This is a great step toward making medicine more inclusive and representative of different backgrounds.”
The student’s clinical rotations will begin next month when training camps open for the 2024 NFL season. During his month-long rotation, Miles will observe and participate in the care of NFL players. He will work directly with and under the supervision of Henry Ford Health’s orthopedic surgery team physicians, primary care team physicians, athletic trainers, nutritionists, mental health clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches and equipment managers to gain medical knowledge and learn about patient care in sports medicine.
“We are excited to work with Markeesha and be a part of her story as she joins the next great generation of sports medicine physicians,” said Dr. T. Shawn Lynch, orthopedic surgeon at Henry Ford Health and head team physician for the Detroit Lions. “The partnership between Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University is deeply committed to improving health equity in Michigan and beyond, and this program provides an incredible opportunity to bring that commitment to life.”
Students in the Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative will also gain an understanding of return-to-play protocols and on-field treatment considerations for NFL players. By the end of the rotation, students will understand the fundamental elements of all aspects of care provided to NFL players from an orthopedic, primary care sports medicine, and athletic training perspective.
