PHYSICIAN
Team doctors treat injuries and illnesses of the athletes. Most are either family-practice physicians or orthopaedic surgeons. Pro teams will enlist the services of the physician and surgeon. Colleges usually have one or more full-time team doctors on staff. At the middle school and high school level, team physicians are usually the school physicians appointed by the local school board. The physicians conduct physical exams and treat the less severe injuries.
They work in conjunction with the orthopaedic surgeons, who handle major surgeries on bones, joints, muscles, and legaments. Surgeons also supervise the rehabilitation of athletes after surgery. Team doctors and orthopaedic surgeons are required to have a bachelor's degree plus four years of medical school and an M.D. or D.O. (doctor or orthopaedics) degree. All doctors will have a one-year internship and several years of residency training. The American Board of Family Practice mandates that doctors have three years of post-graduate training in order to be certified.
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery requires five years training after graduation from medical school with a minimum of three yeas in orthopaedic surgery. Physicians may also take a fellowship in sports medicine either during or after their prescribed orthopaedic training. For additional information about careers in sports medicine, contact the American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine at 6300 N. River Road, Suite 200, Rosemont, III. 60018.
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