When you are a sports medicine doctor, you hold a tremendous power for having a positive impact on the lives of athletes. Sports medicine doctors help athletes recover from traumatic injuries. They greatly assist the rehabilitation process of athletes. When you are a sports medicine doctor, you may also help an athlete complete the physical therapy process. Your work will help an athlete ultimately return to the sport that he or she loves. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a sports medicine doctor?” When you want to become a sports medicine doctor, it is important for you to pursue the necessary educational background.
What’s it like to be a sports medicine doctor?
When you are a sports medicine doctor, you meet with athletes on a regular basis. You may need to monitor the injury of an athlete to see whether he or she is recovering. It is important for you to offer the right type of medication to an athlete to help him or her overcome an injury. One of your other tasks may be to provide alternative treatment methods to patients. You may administer massages on a regular basis to help patients feel less stress in a particular muscle joint. An athlete may also need a specific workout plan to help him or her get back onto the playing field. An experienced sports medicine doctor may also work with specific types of athletes. One doctor may only decide to work with football players or soccer players. Another doctor may only treat hockey players. You have the full power to choose any specialty that you desire.
Education Requirements
To become a sports medicine doctor, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree. You should try to pick a major that will help you prepare for medical school. You may want to participate in a pre-med program. Being part of a pre-med program will help you develop the analytical abilities that will help you succeed in med school. When you graduate from college, you will need to take the MCAT exam in order to gain entrance into med school. It is also important for you to apply to med schools early in the application process. You want to ensure that you have enough time to gather all of the recommendation letters and other information that you will need to submit to med schools. You should also research med schools to determine whether any offer a sports medicine program. Going to a medical school that has a great sports medicine program can put you at a great advantage. It is also a good idea to research residency programs that may offer you the opportunity to work with athletes or other patients who have sports injuries.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a sports medicine doctor is about $150,000 a year. If you decide to open your own practice, then you will earn a much greater salary. It is also a good idea for you to apply for positions at private practices. You may also want to see whether any positions are open at local hospitals. If you want to be successful as a sports medicine doctor, it is essential to make as many connections as possible.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4493249_become-sports-medicine-physician.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm