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What Is a Sport Medicine Physician?
Developed by the Paediatric Sports and Exercise Medicine Section of the Canadian Paediatric Society
A sport medicine physician has special expertise and knowledge in musculoskeletal medicine and sport-related illness. Their primary training may be in family medicine, paediatrics, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. Often they have done special training in sport medicine. All sport medicine physicians in Canada have written an exam and hold a Diploma in Sport Medicine, administered by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine. The letters “Dip Sport Med” after a physician’s name indicates their special qualifications in sport medicine.
Sport medicine physicians diagnose and manage musculoskeletal injuries and illness in active people, usually resulting from participation in sports and recreational activities.
To help with diagnosis, sport medicine physicians order and interpret investigations including x-rays, ultrasound, bone scans, CT, MRI, and arthrograms. They advise patients with musculoskeletal conditions on proper rehabilitation, return to play, and prevention of injuries, as well as help athletes pursue long term goals in their sport.
In addition, sport medicine physicians promote healthy active living, wellness and fitness. They are knowledgeable about appropriate bracing, splinting, taping and orthotics for injuries, as well as about nutritional issues affecting sport performance, including fluid and electrolyte replacement. They work closely with other health professionals, such as physiotherapists, athletic therapists, pedorthists, and radiologists in the rehabilitation of injuries. They communicate with coaches, parents, trainers, teachers, and administrators regarding athletes and their injuries which may affect their participation in their sport.
Sport medicine physicians may provide medical coverage for sport events, at the local, provincial, national and international levels. They often travel with teams nationally and internationally. They advise athletes competing at national and international levels regarding medications that may be banned, appropriate immunizations, and how to avoid infections when traveling.
Sport medicine is an exciting area of medicine which focuses on keeping active people active and promoting physical activity for everyone as a means of staying healthy.
For more information, please go to the Paediaric Sports and Exercise Medicine Section page of the Canadian Paediatric Society website (for CPS members) or the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine’s website.
Posted: August 2008
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