KCU alumnus scores unparalleled sports medicine fellowship

A fusion of American and European sports medicine expertise awaits KCU alumnus Garrett Gilbert, DO. An innovative program, forged through a partnership between Sano Orthopedics and the SANTI group, will catapult Gilbert from the heartland to the forefront of global sports medicine. Through a blend of mentorship, clinical experience and exposure to diverse global perspectives, Gilbert is poised to redefine the boundaries of sports medicine and shape its future on both sides of the Atlantic.

Gilbert's year-long program balances clinical practice, surgery and research. The fellowship culminates in a two-month overseas rotation in Europe, where he will collaborate with leading surgeons from the SANTI group in France and Italy. This unique opportunity allows him to learn from world-class experts, including Matthew Daggett, DO, at Sano Orthopedics and fellow KCU alumnus, (COM 2008). "I'm excited for this opportunity. It's a chance to learn cutting-edge techniques while developing a global perspective on sports medicine," Gilbert said.

Elevating medicine through global collaboration

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship crowns a Sano-KCU partnership spanning seven years. Since 2017, KCU students have gained hands-on experience through monthly rotations with Sano Orthopedics surgeons. “Serving as the ACGME sponsoring institution for this fellowship program exemplifies KCU's commitment to innovative, global medical education. It's a testament to the caliber of our alumni and the strength of our partnerships. We're proud to see KCU graduates like Dr. Gilbert pioneering new frontiers in orthopedic sports medicine, and to have alumni like Dr. Daggett mentoring the next generation of osteopathic physicians,” said W. Joshua Cox, DO, FACOFP, executive dean of the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine and vice provost for Medical Affairs.

Rooted in the Midwest, Gilbert's journey led him from KCU (COM 2019) to a Michigan residency, and back to Kansas City, near his hometown in Cole Camp, Missouri. Passionate about pediatric and adolescent sports medicine, Gilbert views this fellowship as pivotal. "It aligns perfectly with my career goals," he said. "The advanced surgical techniques and international experience will uniquely prepare me to treat young athletes with complex injuries."

Empowering the next generation

This fellowship builds on Daggett's own training experience, which helped shape his approach to sports medicine. "The wonderful thing about my experience in fellowship abroad was that it taught me the value of perspective, and the realization that there are multiple different approaches that can be taken in the treatment of challenging injuries. The important thing is having as many tools in your toolbelt as possible to optimize the treatment for the individual," Daggett said.

The fellowship program embraces this global outlook, recognizing a broader trend: new medical procedures often debut in Europe before the U.S., due to differing regulatory processes. By incorporating global training, the fellowship prepares surgeons like Daggett, and soon Gilbert to bring innovative techniques to their practice while adhering to rigorous U.S. standards.

Mentoring future leaders

Gilbert's professional journey was influenced by Daggett, his long-time mentor. While serving as president of the sports medicine club at KCU, Gilbert sought out Daggett's expertise, inviting him to give talks and participating in rotations under his guidance. His mentorship proved invaluable, not only securing Gilbert’s residency but also shaping his approach to patient care and leadership. "He's taught me a lot about treating others with respect and empathy. I aspire to be the kind of leader he is," Gilbert said.

Applications for the 2025-2026 fellowship year open in September 2024. To learn more about the SANTI-Sano fellowship and to apply, visit here.