Australia Sports Medicine Jobs

Purpose and Mission

In most cases, sports medicine doctors are orthopedic surgeons or primary care physicians who work exclusively with professional and amateur athletes. Some sports medicine physicians are employed in hospitals and clinics, and many work with high school, collegiate or professional sports teams.

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. Some of these doctors work mainly with specific groups of people, such as young children or the elderly.

Sports medicine doctors frequently work together with physical therapists to create rehabilitation plans, and 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.

Reports To

Although some sports medicine 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Sports medicine physicians may have significant supervisory responsibilities. They may be expected to oversee and/or evaluate trainers and other sports medicine staff, and are typically responsible for supervising residents or less-experienced colleagues.

Qualifications

You must earn an undergraduate degree and complete medical school to become a doctor. After medical school, new physicians have to undertake a three to five year clinical residency program working closely with experienced colleagues in their specialty area.

You must apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians if you want to earn a fellowship in sports medicine.​ An RACP fellowship in sports medicine requires completing a typically four-year general practice or orthopaedics residency, followed by at least two years of additional training in sports medicine.

Responsibilities of a Sports Medicine Doctor

The professional responsibilities of a sports medicine doctor include:

• Helping coaches and therapists with choosing and fitting protective equipment.
• Advising whether injured athletes should return to games or competitions if returning could lead to greater injury.
• Observing and evaluating athletes’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Participating in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.
• Developing and prescribing training programs
• Conducting  research on the prevention or treatment of injuries/medical conditions related to sports or exercise
• Consulting with athletes, trainers, or coaches regarding changing or ceasing practices that are potentially harmful
• Attending games and competitions to evaluate and treat injuries
• Maintain medical histories for athletes and undertake physical examinations.
• Supervising the rehabilitation of athletes.
• Referring athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing
• Offering training or counseling on illness and injury prevention
• Prescribing orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment
• Prescribing medications for the treatment of injuries
• Consulting with athletes regarding how substances, including teas and herbal remedies, could impact drug testing results
• Ordering lab tests and diagnostic imaging procedures and interpreting the results
• Providing information to athletes concerning nutrition, hydration, supplements, and the use and potential consequences of various medications
• Evaluating and managing chronic pain
• Examining and evaluating athletes prior to participation in sports activities to assess physical fitness and/or predisposition to sports-related injuries.