Page 9 CDU Newsletter
Summer 2023
CDU Student to Complete Clinical Rotations with the Los Angeles Rams
CDU student Nonye Ikeanyi was identified for the National Football League ’ s ( NFL ) Diversity in Medicine Pipeline Initiative and will complete clinical rotations with the Los Angeles Rams medical staff .
“ It is so rare to get the opportunity to work with elite level athletes . Having the chance to work with the care team that keeps the athletes healthy is even more special . The NFL is changing what I thought was possible for black women in orthopedics and I am beyond grateful to be a part of this initiative ,” said Ikeanyi . “ I have so much respect for the discipline and dedication that it takes to reach the professional level . I hope to apply what I learn from the physicians , trainers , nutritionists , and all the other staff members to my community practice during residency and beyond . As an aspiring pediatric orthopedic surgeon , I am looking forward to working with student athletes and doing all I can to keep them injury-free while they play the sport they love .”
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 .
Among NFL club medical staffs , the initiative builds on existing efforts to recruit and hire diverse medical staff when positions become available across all roles , and to increase diversity across NFL medical committees .