Careers in Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is a multidisciplinary approach for those seriously involved in sport, involving a variety of professionals, such as family and team doctors, physician assistants, certified athletic trainers, and physical therapists.
Sports medicine was first recognized as a specialty in the 20thcenturyThe American College of Sports Medicine was founded in 1954, promoting broadly trained physicians as an athlete’s first contact when treating an injuryTrue sports medicine specialists have training that allows them to specifically address the needs of the athleteAthletes today commonly participate in strenuous exercise and intense athletic competition, which inherently carries a high level of riskWith the expansion of professional athletics and the large number of participants at the college & high school levels, the importance of competition & performance has never been greater. Injury is often devastating to these individuals
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Family & Team Doctor:Physicians promote lifelong fitness and wellnessTwo years of additional training through accredited subspecialty programs in sports medicine is commonAdditional training comes from continuing education and participation in sports medicine associationsIdeally, a balance of care between the family doctor & the sports medicine physician specialist will provide the athlete with the most complete information and treatment.
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Physician AssistantA recognized profession since the 1960’s, the physician assistant provides the extension of consumer access to health services by extending the time and skills of the physician.Duties include diagnostic and therapeutic patient care and in most states the prescribingof medication.
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Physical TherapistPhysical therapists specialize in a wide variety of areas in addition to sports medicine, including pediatrics, orthopedics, aquatic therapy, wound care, women’s health, and many othersPhysical therapists can be found in a variety of health care facilities, such as hospitals, schools, and fitness facilities
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Physical Therapy AssistantPatient care is provided along with the physical therapistDuties include developing treatment plans, documenting treatment progress, and modifying treatment established by the physical therapist as patients recover
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
ChiropractorSpinal manipulation is used instead of drugs or surgery to promote the body’s natural healing processChiropractors provide conservative management of neuromuscular disorders for back pain, neck pain, and headaches
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Massage TherapistsOne of the oldest methods of providing relief of pain and discomfort, massage today has become important in promoting wellness and reducing stressMassage therapists work along with physicians, nurses, and physical therapists in the promotion of health and healing
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist/Personal TrainerFitness instructors monitor and modify the athlete’s conditioning and strength trainingCertified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) programs identify individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Sports NutritionistNutritionists develop correct diets for athletic competitors and instruct athletes on supplements and dietary aidsImprovement in performance can be achieved through special diets geared toward specific athletic events
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Sports PsychologistSports psychologists are specially trained in athletic motivation and performance, using goal setting, imagery, and other techniques to give athletes an edgeSports psychologists can be found in clinical settings, educational institutions, private practice, and employed by professional sports teams
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
CoachAt all levels, from young league competitions to professional sports teams, the coach teaches athletes how to compete without injuryGood communication between the coach, athlete, and certified athletic trainer will ensure the best care for all athletes
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Certified Athletic TrainerAthletic Training is the rendering of specialized care to those individuals involved in exercise and athleticsResponsibilities include prevention, recognition, evaluation, care and rehabilitation of injuriesThe AMA recognizes athletic training as an allied health professionTitle IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex from participation in athletics in schools, greatly increasing the number of female athletesATC’s are an integral part of the athletic healthcare team in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, clinics, professional sports programs, and industrial settingsCertified Athletic Trainers typically work beyond the typical work day and often exceed 40 hours per week
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Certified Athletic TrainerATC’s must abide by the rules and procedures of their certifying organization (NATABOC) and the state licensure or certificationFailure to act in accordance with these rules can result in disciplinary action or terminationThe National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) is the largest certifying organization in the United States and is the governing body for all ATC’sMinimum education requirement in a Bachelor’s DegreeMajor areas of study are athletic training, physical education, or exercise scienceTraining includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and psychology/counseling
Professions associated with sports medicine and others associated with athletic make up the Athlete’s Circle of Care
Certified Athletic TrainerA certification test is administered by the NATABOC consisting of multiple choice questions, a practical evaluation, and a written simulationRegional and State Trainer’s Associations are found in most US states and provide educational opportunities for ATC’s
Athlete’s Bill of Rights
The Athlete’s Bill of Rights is a series of standards that include the right to:Have fun through sportsParticipate at a level commensurate with their maturity levelQualified adultleadershipParticipate in a safe and healthy environmentCompetent care and treatment of injuriesShare the leadership and decision making of their sportParticipate in a sport regardless of ability and income levelProper preparation for participationEqual opportunity to strive for successBe treated with dignitySay “No”
Liability and Risk Management
Hippocratic Oath: “I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability andjudgement, but I will never use it to injure or wrong them.”Anyone who works outside of his or her scope of practice and expertise can be found negligent and, therefore, liable for his or her actions.Liability insurance can help avoid financial disaster
Liability and Risk Management
To avoid possible lawsuits, Certified Athletic Trainers should take certain precautionsWork within scope of knowledge and expertiseKeep proper documentation and maintain accurate recordsFollow proper training room rules and proceduresAlways have adequate training room supervisionKeep in close contact with coaches, administration, and parents of athletesInspect practices and game facilities dailyEstablish a return-to-play protocolInvolve team physician in all aspects of the programEstablish an advisory program with members of all involved partiesEstablish and practice an emergency action plan
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