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Sports Medicine Physician

I want to be one
Who This Career is For?
Individuals who have excellent knowledge about different sports related injuries, and are passionate about sports should be the ones who should consider a career in this field. Sports medicine physicians should also have good communication skills.

People who enjoy solving problems and dealing with other people should enter this field. They should also be able to put the needs of the injured athlete before the needs of the team when it is appropriate.
Want to know more about it?
Sports medicine physicians are also commonly known as sport physicians or sports medicine doctors. Sports medicine doctors can be of two types, orthopedic surgeons and primary sports medicine doctors. 90% of sports related injuries fall under the primary sports medicine doctors, while only 10% are under orthopedic surgeons.

The main job of a sports medicine physician is to heal and prevent injuries of athletes. Most injuries usually deal with different joints, bones or muscles of the body. Sports physicians may work with other people such as nurses, physical therapists or nutritionists when an athlete is injured.

Sports medicine physicians may also deal with other medical problems that are not sport related in athletes such as asthma, heart problems etc. It is also their job to prevent injuries by promoting a healthy lifestyle and the importance of staying fit.

A regular sports medicine physician usually works in a hospital or office; however some may also operate as team doctors and have extra responsibilities. Before an individual participates in a sport, it is the job of the sports medicine physician to examine the person and determine whether he/she is fit to play.

Sports medicine physicians may sometimes be faced with problems regarding substance abuse in the athletes and may even have to deal with some sports psychology. They also prescribe medicines to injured athletes.

Sports medicine physicians may also research on new methods or techniques to solve sports related injuries.

Sports medicine is not a recognized training program in medical education thus sports medicine physicians must receive the training of a regular doctor, and then specialize in that field. 8 years of higher education need to be completed, after which 3-8 years of an internship or residency must be done before the sports medicine doctor can be qualified.

A license must then be obtained from the country that you wish to practice in. After becoming licensed, the doctor must then complete a sports medicine fellowship program and then pass another exam so that they can become fully qualified as a sports medicine physician.

What are Salary Prospects?
The salary for sports medicine physicians varies according to the location, experience and specialty; however an average salary in the India is as follows

Entry level: Around Rs. 40,000 per month
Middle level: Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1lakh per month
Senior level: Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3lakh per month

How is Life?
Most sports medicine physicians work at a private clinic or hospital so they have a comfortable environment around them with air conditioning and well lit rooms. They will work regular hours however; they may be called in if there is an emergency case.

However, there is also a portion of these doctors that work on the field with various teams. These sports medicine physicians may have to undergo any type of weather conditions as well as may have to travel with the team to the different cities they are playing in. They will also have to attend all the team practices.
What Perks come along with this career?
The biggest perk of being a sports medicine physician is that they receive a large salary. Moreover, if the sports medicine physician is working for a professional team, then they have the chance to interact with famous celebrities.

Along with this, the working conditions of those sports medicine physicians are good if they are working in a clinic or hospital.
Which Downsides are there in this career?
A lot of qualifications are needed before one can actually become a sports medicine doctor. Moreover, if the sports medicine doctor is travelling with a professional team, then they may be subjected to bad weather conditions and a lot of time away from their families.
How is Competition?
Physicians and surgeons held approximately 661,000 jobs in 2008 in the United States. Their employment is expected to grow by 20%, and generate 260,500 more jobs up till 2018. Most sports medicine physicians work in private clinics or sports medicine clinics.

Moreover, because of the demand to prevent sports related injuries, there will be a greater number of sports medicine physicians needed. Also, because there is a greater number of people participating in sports, more sports medicine physicians will be needed.
Locations where this career is good?
Sports medicine physicians are located in most metropolitan cities where sports are played.
Career Path
To be a sports medicine practioner, you have to be an MBBS after which you may have to do the MCI-recognised two-year postgraduate diploma in sports medicine. You can also go abroad for further studies. A sports medicine specialist undergoes training in exercise physiology, conservative practice of orthopaedics and rehabilitation and allied subjects

Necessary Qualifications
mbbs
Prime Institutes for this career
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User Comments

vishal yadav  on 2013-10-18 12:20:59
I m a physiotherapist and good cricket player. Resently I have work as a physio and cricket coach with AEN club. So kindly tell me about any suitable job for me.

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