Sports Medicine Physician
A Sports Medicine Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and conditions related to sports, exercise and physical activity. They work mainly with athletes and active individuals, helping them to optimize their athletic performance and recover from injuries.
Career Values, Traits and Skills
To succeed as a Sports Medicine Physician, one must possess certain values, traits and skills. Some of these include:
- Passion for sports and physical activity
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Interest in human anatomy and physiology
- Ability to make quick and accurate decisions
- Emotionally stable and able to handle stress
- Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development
Career Path
To become a Sports Medicine Physician, one must first complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Biology. After that, they must attend Medical School and then complete a residency in either Family Medicine or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine.
Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the final step and is mandatory for practicing as a Sports Medicine Physician.
Salary Range
The salary range for Sports Medicine Physicians varies depending on several factors such as their level of experience, location, and type of practice. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Physicians and Surgeons was $208,000 as of May 2020.
Tips for Success
- Stay up-to-date with new research in sports medicine and apply it to your practice.
- Build a strong professional network with other medical professionals and experts in the sports industry.
- Develop good interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with athletes, coaches and parents.
- Attend workshops, conferences, seminars to remain current on developments in your field.
- Encourage athletes’ participation in a healthy and active lifestyle and promote rest when necessary.
References
- American Medical Society for Sports Medicine – https://www.amssm.org
- American Board of Medical Specialties – https://www.abms.org
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
