1. Careers in Sports Medicine

2. 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

3. Disciplines Anatomy & physiology Nutrition Psychology Pharmacology
Kinesiology
Exercise physiology

4. 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

5. Employment Settings Physician offices Hospitals Clinical settings
rehab or pt clinics
Professional sports
Colleges
High Schools
Wellness Centers

6. Personal Characteristics
People Skills
Communication Skills
Compassion
Good Listening Skills
Team Player
Desire to Learn

7. The Sports Medicine Team
Team Physician
Certified Athletic Trainer
Coaches
Athletes
Parents
School Administration
Facilities
Pt, rehab . . .

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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