Sports Physician

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There are two types of sports medicine practitioners in Australia; sports physicians and sports doctors. They both require different qualifications to practice.

The term ‘sports medicine practitioner‘ (or ‘sports doctor’) is used for all doctors with a qualification in sports, such as Master of Sports Medicine, Diploma of Sports Medicine, and/or interest in sports medicine. They are not Fellows of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians.

A ‘sports doctor’ is a medical practitioner with recognised medical qualification and a commitment to sports medicine. Sports doctors are usually a member of Sports Medicine Australia and a member of the Sports Doctors Association.

Specialisations: Raceday Doctor/ Racecourse Medical Officer

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• an interest in the well-being of others

• good communication and people skills

• compassionate towards others

• self-confidence

• to work well under pressure, and in emergency situations

• to be reliable and responsible

• stamina to work long hours

• a high degree of motivation and self-discipline

(Source: Sports Medicine Brisbane)

Duties and Tasks

• Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system
• Diagnose medical conditions.
• Treat chronic diseases or disorders - evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.
• Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
• Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
• Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.
• Record athletes' medical care information and maintain medical records.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Record athletes' medical histories and perform physical examinations.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
• Coordinate sports care activities with other experts including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.
• Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
• Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.
• Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
• Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.
• Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use.
• Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.
  Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
• Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
• Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
• Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.
• Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.
• Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
• Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.
• Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.
• Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.
• Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.
• Develop emergency procedures.
• Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.
• Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use.
• Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.
• Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
• Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.
• Select medical equipment for addressing patient needs.
• Prepare medications or medical solutions.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
• Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.
• Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.
• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
• Develop and prescribe exercise programs such as off-season conditioning regimens. Develop exercise or conditioning programs. Prescribe treatments or therapies.
• Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.
• Advise athletes on how substances, such as herbal remedies, could affect drug testing results.
• Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.
• Advising whether injured athletes should return to games or competitions if returning could lead to greater injury.
• Consulting with athletes, trainers, or coaches regarding changing or ceasing practices that are potentially harmful
  
  

Working conditions

Sports Doctors are expected to be at training sessions and at the game.

Although some sports doctors work in private practice, most work as employees. This means that they typically report to a department head, service chief, or similar mid-level administrator. Those employed by school or professional sports teams may report to an assistant coach or head coach.

Tools and technologies

Sports Doctors use instruments such as stethoscopes, thermometers, sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors) and reflex hammer. They also administer medicines, such as vaccinations. They regularly use computers to maintain client records and consult pharmaceutical manuals.


Education and training/entrance requirements

You must earn an undergraduate degree and complete medical school to become a doctor.

Did You Know? Dr Lisa Elkington - Rowing Australia  CAMEO Dr Lisa Elkington graduated from the University of Newcastle Medical School and spent 6 years working mainly in general medicine and emergency medicine before moving into full time sports medicine. Lisa worked with a variety of sports in the Department of Sports Medicine at the Australian Institute of Sport [AIS] for four years and began working with the Australian Rowing Team during this time. In 2017 Lisa was the medical service provider at the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre in Penrith and started as Rowing Australia’s PMO in January 2018. Prior to taking on this role, Lisa has been working for Athletics Australia and was the Medical Lead for the Australian Athletics Team for the Rio Paralympics. Lisa is dedicated to provision of best practice medicine in high performance sport, including injury rehabilitation and management, and illness prevention. Dr Elkington’s role sees her develop and revise protocols for the best practice management of common rowing related injuries and illnesses, provide ongoing rowing specific ‘world’s best’ education to the RA preferred provider network and act as an advisor to the Board of Rowing Australia on all medical and anti-doping matters. She is also responsible for the oversight of the medical services to the two National Training Centres, and as the Team Doctor for major tours and competitions. Dr Elkington ensures the compliance of RA with the AIS Sports Medicine Best Practice Principles and advises the RA High Performance Unit on the selection and appointment of appropriate clinicians for all Australian Rowing Teams (U19, U21, U23 and Senior A). The primary roles of the RA Principal Medical Officer are to: 1. Coordinate the medical care of priority Australian Rowing Team (ARTeam) athletes through the daily training and team environments 2. Monitor the progress of any injury or illness in a priority ARTeam athlete and provide expert advice to athlete, coach and managing medical practitioner as required 3. Provide ongoing rowing specific “world’s best” education to the RA preferred provider network 4. Develop and revise protocols for the best practice management of common rowing related injuries and illnesses 5. Act as an advisor to the Board of Rowing Australia on all medical and anti-doping matters 6. Advise the RA High Performance Team on the selection and appointment of appropriate clinicians for all ARTeams 7. Ensure compliance of RA with the AIS Sports Medicine Best Practice Principles

The title ‘sports physician’ is reserved for Fellows of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians (ACSEP). A sports physician is a medical practitioner who has gained specialist standard qualifications in sport and exercise medicine (SEM). They hold the qualification of ACSEP - the post-nominal that identifies this qualification is FACSP.

Sports physicians provide medical attention to athletes, either offering medical treatment or counseling. They need a Doctor of Medicine degree and must pass all licensing and certification requirements for the area in which they want to work. 

Sports physicians can be either primary care doctors or orthopedic surgeons. Their patients are predominantly professional and amateur athletes, and their focus is on promoting fitness and wellness. Completion of a medical degree and residency program are required to work in the field.

Sports physicians treat musculoskeletal injuries that occur as a result of participation in sports, such as knee and shoulder injuries, ankle sprains, head injuries, tendonitis and fractures. Additionally, primary care sports physicians may treat chronic health conditions that can affect athletic performance, such as asthma and diabetes.

These specialists are trained in nutrition, sports psychology and substance abuse, and providing advice to athletes on injury prevention is a big part of their job.

Sports physicians counsel athletes, helping them maximize performance, prevent injuries and lead a healthy lifestyle. They may suggest supplements, diet plans or exercise regimens to address performance issues. They may also help athletes with psychological or substance abuse issues related to sports. Sports physicians collaborate with physical therapists, athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals to plan courses of treatment and rehabilitation plans for their patients. They also work with athletic trainers to develop exercise regimens and training plans.

Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons perform specialized surgeries, while primary care sports medicine specialists consult, advise and refer to a surgeon as necessary.

(Source: CASEM)

Alternative names: Sports Medicine Physician, Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician,

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