Page 11 CDU Newsletter
August 2023
CDU Student to Complete Clinical Rotations with the Los Angeles Chargers
CDU student Daniel Cordova was identified for the National Football League ’ s ( NFL ) Diversity in Medicine Pipeline Initiative and will complete clinical rotations with the Los Angeles Chargers medical staff .
“ I feel honored to have been selected for this opportunity and look forward to broadening my knowledge base in diagnosing and treating sports related injuries and player health management and optimization ,” said Cordova . “ I think it is important to increase diversity in the field of sports medicine especially when considering the role physicians can play in advocating for the health of athletes and empowering people to maintain their physical activity level and associated healthy habits that can have long lasting benefits .”
The initiative , which marks its second consecutive year partnership with the NFL , NFL Physicians Society ( NFLPS ) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society ( PFATS ), aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine to help make a positive impact in the medical field and , over time , help to diversify NFL club medical staff .
Last year ’ s inaugural class was composed of 14 students from the four Historically Black Colleges and Universities ( HBCU ) medical schools who completed rotations across eight NFL clubs , including two CDU students .
The 2023 program expands to match diverse students from 19 medical schools with NFL clubs across the league .
“ Working toward diverse representation across all roles in
our league continues to be a top priority , and this program helps us make a tangible impact to grow and bolster a pipeline of diverse sports medicine professionals ,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . “ We know that diversity makes us stronger at every level , and we look forward to welcoming the 2023 class to our player care teams at clubs across the league .”
The Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative is part of the league ’ s broader commitment to ensure that staff and leaders in the league office and at NFL clubs reflect the racial and gender makeup of America .
Cordova joins fellow CDU student Nonye Ikeanyi in the NFL initiative . Ikeanyi was previously announced as selection for rotations with the other local football team , the LA Rams , this year .