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Sports Medicine Physicians

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

What you’d do

  • Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
  • Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.
  • Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.
  • Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.
  • Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.
  • Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.
  • Record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • MD (Medical Doctor)
  • Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician
  • Sports Medicine Primary Care Physician
  • Sports Medicine Specialist
  • Athletic Team Physician
  • Nonsurgical Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
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