New Orleans Native Starts NFL's Diversity in Sports Medicine Internship At Saints Training Camp

The Saints will host a New Orleans native for its NFL's Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative internship.

As a young member of the Who Dat Nation and ball girl, Schyler Morton cheered for the Saints as Aaron Brooks led them to victory over the Los Angeles Rams for the franchise's first playoff win.  After she graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, Morton began pursuing her medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. This week, she begins a new chapter in her medical career as an intern at the Saints Training Camp through the NFL's Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

"We had to send in our resume, write an essay on why we wanted to be a part of the program and do sports medicine," Morton told the Saints News Network.  "And thankfully, I got accepted."

The league is entering the second year of its Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline initiative.  The program's objective is to provide an opportunity for thirty-one medical students from diverse backgrounds to learn and observe sports medicine at NFL training camps.  "I'm excited. I've already talked to the Saints' head athletic trainer, orthopedic surgeon, team Doctor, and internal medicine doctor.  They're excited to have me be there."

Schyler Morton, a Meharry Medical College student and the Xavier University of Louisiana graduate, will participate in the expansion of the National Football League's Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative; Credit: New Orleans Saints

Schyler will be in an "observation mode," assisting the team's medical handling of the athletes' training, treatments, and surgeries. She'll have first-hand interactions with several Saints she idolizes — Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, Michael Thomas, and new franchise quarterback Derek Carr.  "I wouldn't say I have anxiety since I've grown up around professional athletes my whole life. But it is exciting." 

Morton has a basketball background in her family.  Her father, John Morton, played in the NBA and is now an assistant basketball coach at St. Peter's University in New York. Schyler herself is also a basketball enthusiast who played the guard position.  "My family's super excited. I think they've been telling everybody."

Her family's deep roots in athletics undeniably shaped Morton's career path.  "I came into medical school knowing I wanted to go into sports medicine. I'm also in the Navy, so my track is a little different. I want to go into pediatrics working with the kids.   I also want to do a fellowship in sports medicine after my three years [in the Navy].  I'll do the one year of sports medicine fellowship."

Initiating proactive engagement within a patient's community is a preference for Morton.  "I chose the Navy because they have opportunities where I can go out into global communities and provide service not just for Americans but also everybody else in the world.  Meharry Medical is known for providing healthcare to the poor and underserved."

Schyler recognizes the substantial influence her summer internship with the Saints can have in promoting the representation of women and minorities in the sports medicine industry.  "Having this experience and seeing more women on the sidelines in the NFL as assistant coaches and athletic trainers shows we can impact the league.  We belong."