Florida State University is intensifying its commitment to enhanced medical training and healthcare in Northwest Florida through a novel alliance between the FSU College of Medicine and the Andrews Research & Education Foundation.

The arrangement, effective from Aug. 1, incorporates the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Fellowship and the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship under FSU’s sponsorship. The fellowships hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

“This collaboration illustrates the robust partnerships we are cultivating to broaden educational prospects, support top-tier research, and enhance community health across our state,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Andrews and amplify FSU’s influence in Northwest Florida.”

Fellowships offer advanced, specialized training that a physician undertakes after finishing medical school and residency, equipping them with the knowledge and experience to handle both standard health concerns and more intricate cases.

“For almost two decades, the Andrews Institute has rendered exceptional care to residents of Northwest Florida and beyond,” remarked Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine. “At Florida State, we continuously strive to partner with the elite, and we are pleased to enter this collaboration with Andrews. This arrangement fortifies our dedication to enhancing medical education and advancing community health across North Florida.”

The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Fellowship will accommodate four fellows, while the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship has one available fellowship position. With these recent additions, the FSU College of Medicine supports 26 programs with over 330 residents and fellows. This also extends the reach and favorable impact of FSU Health, a transformative initiative aimed at boosting health in North Florida by utilizing FSU’s pioneering research capabilities and educational initiatives to forge new alliances with clinical partners like Andrews.

“This collaboration unites two esteemed institutions that share the mission of enhancing clinical research, academic excellence, and innovative patient care,” stated Ashton Hayward, president of the Andrews Research & Education Foundation. “By harnessing talents based in Florida, this partnership will promote pioneering work in musculoskeletal science, regenerative medicine, biomechanics, and surgical advancements. Collectively, AREF and FSU will generate new opportunities for trainees, researchers, and healthcare professionals to advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes throughout Florida and beyond.”

As noted by 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 crucial for fellowship applicants.

“Individuals seek to determine if a program is university-sponsored,” Boyer explained. “They also check for accreditation status. All of our programs possess either initial or full accreditation, and, naturally, FSU holds continuous accreditation. Reputation plays a significant role; FSU’s GME programs are recognized as some of the finest — and we fill every position each year. This, along with the outstanding reputation of Andrews, will draw top talent to these programs and to Northwest Florida.”

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