To assist you in becoming a sports medicine doctor, follow these steps:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: The first stage of becoming a sports medicine doctor is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree program. Although there are no set requirements for medical schools, people who want to work in medicine frequently major in chemistry, biology, or pre-medicine. Students can take in-depth courses in chemistry, biology, arithmetic, and other subjects as part of a pre-medical education. Prepare and study to take up the MCAT exam.
2. Finish medical school. A student can sit for the medical school entrance exam after earning a bachelor’s degree. Many medical school programs require the Medical College Admissions Test or MCAT. The typical score required for admission varies by program.
A doctorate in medicine, such as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. ), is required for aspiring sports medicine doctors. Osteopathic programs emphasize preventative care and the musculoskeletal system more than medical doctor programs.
Students attend classes on the human body, patient care, and medical ethics during the first two years of medical school. The following two years are spent in clinical rotations in various settings, where students get experience in patient care and communication, medical record keeping, and teamwork with other doctors.
3. Obtain a medical license. A particular licensure exam is required for each medical degree program. You can become licensed as a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) or a doctor of medicine (M.D.) to practice sports medicine. States often mandate that doctors have a medical license to practice lawfully.
4. Complete a Residency
New doctors must finish a residency program after completing medical school. This lasts for three to four years on average. The residency program for surgeons lasts five years. Individuals interested in a future in orthopedic surgery and those interested in primary care sports medicine will follow different paths during their residency years. Family medicine residents of three years are typically the first step for future primary care sports medicine physicians. Residency opportunities exist in internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, neuromusculoskeletal medicine, and rehabilitation medicine. Orthopedic surgery residents finish their training to become orthopedic surgeons.
5. Enroll in a Fellowship
Physicians interested in working in primary care sports medicine will finish a one- to two-year fellowship in sports medicine after completing their residencies. During their fellowship, they learn more about sports injuries while working as team doctors for a neighborhood high school or college sports team. Additionally, they perform some surgeries with assistance and work in an orthopedic surgery context. Finally, they continue their education in their original field, such as family medicine or pediatrics.
A one- to two-year surgical sports medicine fellowship can be completed by people interested in a career in orthopedic surgery, where they can get additional knowledge about operating to treat sports injuries. Many different sports-related injuries are treated by orthopedic surgeons who have completed specific fellowships.
6. Earn your certification and licensure:
Earn your certification and licensure:
Pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam as a medical doctor.
As a primary care sports medicine physician, you can obtain the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine. A medical license and certification in your residency specialty are two prerequisites for this degree.
Physicians who specialize in sports medicine and have met all the prerequisites are eligible for certification of enhanced qualification. These extra labels are not required.