Is sports medicine a specialty?

Category: healthy living physical therapy
4.8/5 (232 Views . 35 Votes)
Sports medicine is not a medical specialty in itself. Most sports medicine doctors are certified in internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, or another specialty and then receive additional training. Some, but not all, sports medicine doctors have surgical training, too, usually as orthopedic surgeons.



Also asked, what is a sport medicine specialist?

Sports medicine doctors are either orthopedic surgeons or primary care physicians who prescribe treatments for professional and amateur athletes. They're trained to address issues associated with nutrition, sports psychology, and substance abuse and may also counsel athletes on injury prevention.

Additionally, what is the importance of sports medicine? Sports Medicine Benefits They understand the impacts of sports and exercise on their patients' bodies, such as concussions and repetitive motion injuries, and they work closely with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to develop tailored treatment plans that suit each patient's specific needs.

Considering this, what major is sports medicine doctor?

Becoming a sports medicine physician requires obtaining a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. During their undergraduate years, students will need to take pre-med classes in biology, anatomy and chemistry. Medical school is a 4-year program in which the last two years include clinical rotations.

When should you see a sports medicine doctor?

5 Reasons to See a Sports Medicine Doctor

  1. You have an acute sports injury. These are injuries that happen suddenly while you're playing a sport or exercising.
  2. You have a chronic sports injury. These are injuries that develop over time.
  3. You need orthopedic surgery.
  4. You're recovering from a sports injury.
  5. You want to prevent a sports injury.

28 Related Question Answers Found

What's the difference between sports medicine and orthopedic?

Both orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians specialize in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. They train on the sports field and in the training room. An orthopedic surgeon is trained in the operative treatment of a musculoskeletal injury, and their training involves operating tables and hospitals.

What is the major for sports medicine?

The most common majors include athletic training, exercise science and others that cover human physiology, human anatomy, athletic injury prevention, kinesiology, community health, sports nutrition, therapeutic exercise and biomechanics.

How many hours does a sports medicine physician work?

A Day in the Life of a Team Physician: The Hours
However it's not uncommon for team physicians to work more than 40 hours per week, often because they need to travel with the team and keep up with athletes' irregular schedules. Team physicians often attend games and competitions involving their team.

Are sports medicine physicians in high demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted job growth between 2018 and 2028 would be 7% for all physicians and surgeons, which includes sports medicine doctors, 19% for athletic trainers, and 22% for physical therapists.

What are the duties of a sports medicine physician?


Sports Medicine Physicians are licensed health professionals who assist athletes and physically fit individuals with rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injuries. They diagnose, treat and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training and physical activities.

What is the concept of sports medicine?

Sports medicine is defined as a branch of medicine that includes the science of athletic nutrition and conditioning, preventing and diagnosing athletic injuries and increasing performance. An example of sports medicine is a medical doctor with a specialty in both internal medicine and sports medicine.

How do you become a sports medicine professional team?

This means the physician has completed four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, four to five years of residency, and one year of fellowship training. Most NFL team physicians have previous experience as a team physician at the high school and/or college level.

How are sports injuries classified and managed?

Forces commonly involved in acute injury are either a direct or indirect. Acute injuries can be classified according to the site of the injury (e.g. bone, cartilage, ligament, muscle, bursa, tendon, joint, nerve or skin) and the type of injury (e.g. fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain).

What are the benefits of being a sports medicine physician?

Sports medicine primary care physicians treat anyone who is physically active help them improve performance, enhance overall health, prevent injury and maintain their physical activity throughout their lives. Some work with professional and amateur sports teams.

How long is sports medicine residency?


Depending on the specialty, residencies may be between three and five years. After completing a residency and becoming board certified, a sports medicine fellowship is also needed. Although it can vary, many sports medicine fellowships are one year in length.

What is the study of sports medicine called?

Sports medicine is the branch of healthcare specializing in the treatment and prevention of athletic injuries. Students can prepare for entry-level employment through an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree program. Enrollees take courses such as kinesiology and sports nutrition.

What skills do you need to be a sports medicine physician?

The following skills are important for this career:
  • Reading comprehension – high (Level 6)
  • Active listening – high (Level 6)
  • Writing – medium (Level 4)
  • Speaking – medium (Level 5)
  • Science – medium (Level 3)
  • Critical thinking – high (Level 6)
  • Active learning – medium (Level 5)
  • Learning strategies – medium (Level 4)

How much does it cost to become a sports medicine doctor?

The median four-year cost of medical school (including expenses and books) was $278,455 for private schools, and $207,866 for public schools in 2013 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Do physicians perform surgery?

Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. Like other physicians, surgeons examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare. Some specialist physicians also perform surgery.

Can you become a sports medicine doctor with a kinesiology degree?


For those interested in pursuing careers as sports medicine physicians, they must first complete a four-year pre-med bachelor's degree at an accredited four-year university. This degree should be in sports medicine, kinesiology, exercise science, or related. Both MDs and DOs require four years of medical school.

How hard is it to get into medical school?

The sheer amount of knowledge required for medicine is difficult, but just getting into school can be even harder. Medical school acceptance rates are extremely low. Each year the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) releases average GPA cum and GPA science and MCAT scores for applicants to medical school.

How long is pre med?

You'll need to complete four to five years of pre-med preparation, another four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency. It doesn't end there, though.