The University of Alabama Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program offering intensive education and training in state-of-the-art sports medicine care. Fellows train in the Dr. William deShazo Sports Medicine Center, established in 2008 by the deShazo family in honor of “Dr. D.”

Dr. deShazo practiced in Jackson, Ala., for 20 years before returning to the College in 1972, where he served as the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program director and later chair of the College’s Family Medicine Department. He was the team physician for Alabama Athletics from 1972 to 1985 and established the College’s first sports medicine rotation. Dr. D retired in 1988 and passed away in 2006. The clinic stands as a lasting tribute to the excellence of care and service he provided—always wanting to be known simply as a “country doctor.”

The sports medicine program continues the tradition established by Dr. D, working closely with UA Athletic Department coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes. Local high school athletic programs and community recreational athletes are also integral to the clinical experience.

Fellows are actively involved in teaching family medicine residents, medical students, athletic training students and other learners. The program boasts a 100% board pass rate upon completion of fellowship training.