What is a Sports Medicine Specialist?

A sports medicine specialist is a person or a medical doctor who works with athletes. He treats and prevents injuries, aches and pains and also looks after the holistic health and well-being of athletes. During the past decade or so, sports medicine has become more scientific and specialized. Qualified and experienced sports medicine specialists are an integral part of Olympics teams and any sports team.

  1. Function

    • Along with coaches, sports medicine specialists play a vital role in the success of athletes. They devise diet programs and ensure the health of athletes before, during and after practices and competitions.

    Significance

    • Sports medicine specialists are increasingly becoming involved with national teams, professional sports leagues, and high school or college teams. They, along with professional assistants, look after the overall health and sports-related and medical needs of the athletes. They often make the vital difference between great and average performances.

    Education

    • A sports medicine specialist is usually a fully qualified doctor like a doctor in any other discipline and has at least a bachelor's degree in science. Coursework for sports medicine specialists include general radiology, cardiac rehabilitation, respiratory rehabilitation and orthopedic surgical technique. Others can also specialize in motivational techniques, physical therapy, orthopedics, podiatry and mental health.

    Potential

    • Sports medicine specialists work with sports associations, professional athletic teams, tennis player entourages, and even medical centers where sports medicine and athletic care and treatment are focus areas.

    Benefits

    • Sports medicine specialists are amongst the highest-paid professionals in the U.S. They can earn upward of $250,000 per year with a couple of years' experience. Reputable practitioners and sports medical doctors who work with famous athletes are known to command salaries of $700,000-plus a year.