What is a sports medicine physician?

Sports Medicine has been a recognized sub-specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialists since 1989. Sports medicine physicians must be board-certified in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or Pediatrics, successfully complete a one year (or greater) accredited Sports Medicine fellowship (there are about 60 in the country), and pass a board certification examination (which is jointly sponsored by the above specialties and offered every other year).

Sports Medicine was initially founded as a way to provide comprehensive consultative and continuous care for the orthopedic, medical, nutritional, and psychosocial issues of athletes and teams. Although this concept was originally developed for professional and elite level athletes, it is now being applied to adolescent and recreational athletes, “industrial athletes,” and the promotion of lifelong fitness and wellness in any age group.

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, an organization of sports medicine physicians from around the country, has more information.

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Both are trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports medicine physicians specialize in the non-operative medical treatment of musculoskeletal sports conditions while orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative management of these conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. Sports medicine physicians are able to expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon when needed by identifying those patients most likely to benefit from surgery. In addition, because of their primary care background, sports medicine physicians are well trained in the myriad of non-musculoskeletal issues that confront athletes.

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