Careers in Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine: The Circle of Care Sports Medicine: the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of injuries that occur to athletes and the active population. Main Goals Initial treatment of injuries Rehabilitation Returning athlete or active individual to their sports
Disciplines Anatomy & physiology Nutrition Psychology Pharmacology Kinesiology Exercise physiology
Career Opportunities Physicians Nurses Physical therapists - primary care, orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, neurologists, nutritionists . . . Nurses Physical therapists Physical therapy assistants Athletic trainers Fitness instructors X-ray techs Radiologists
Employment Settings Physician offices Hospitals Clinical settings rehab or pt clinics Professional sports Colleges High Schools Wellness Centers
Personal Characteristics People Skills Communication Skills Compassion Good Listening Skills Team Player Desire to Learn
The Sports Medicine Team Team Physician Certified Athletic Trainer Coaches Athletes Parents School Administration Facilities Pt, rehab . . .
Athletic Training Skills First aid, CPR, other emergency Taping, wrapping, and bracing Time management Organizational skills Education in the treatment and rehab of acute and chronic injuries Common Sense Interest in sports and helping others
Responsibilities of ATC Prevention and care of athletic injuries Evaluations, provide immediate care, rehab Record keeping Injury reports, physicals, referrals Assist visiting teams Establish and maintain training room Order supplies Supervise student athletic trainers
Student Athletic Trainers Assists certified ATC CAN Administer first aid Activate EMS Tape and bandage Assist in record keeping Prepares field for practice or play CAN’T Evaluate Return athlete to play
Record Keeping Helps in prevention of injuries Protects against legal action Assumption of risk: acceptance of the responsibility for the risks involved in a sport Protects against liability (legal responsibility) Does NOT protect against negligence