Sports Medicine Physicians

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

Median Annual Wage: $187,200

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Physician; Orthopaedic Surgeon; Athletic Team Physician; Director of Sports Medicine; Family Medicine/Sports Medicine Specialist/Team Physician; Head Orthopedic Team Physician; Nonsurgical Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician; Sports Medicine Physician; Team Physician; Director of Athletic Medicine, Head Team Physician

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sports Medicine Physicians.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
  • Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.
  • Record athletes' medical care information and maintain medical records.
  • Record athletes' medical histories and perform physical examinations.
  • Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.
  • Coordinate sports care activities with other experts including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.
  • Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.
  • Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.
  • Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.
  • Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.
  • Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.
  • Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.
  • Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.
  • Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.
  • Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.
  • Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.
  • Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.
  • Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.
  • Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.
  • Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.
  • Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.
  • Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.
  • Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.
  • Develop and prescribe exercise programs such as off-season conditioning regimens.
  • Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sports Medicine Physicians.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sports Medicine Physicians.

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