Sports physicians are licensed medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of sports-related injuries. These physicians also work with coaches, physical therapists and trainers to create comprehensive recovery and injury prevention plans. A sports physician may work in a sports setting, such as being the staff physician for a sports team, or may have a private practice, and may also have hospital privileges as an orthopedic surgeon. Because they are licensed doctors, sports physicians must complete both medical school and specialized sports training.
Step 1
Attend an accredited college and attain a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology. Pre-med courses include chemistry, both organic and inorganic, and biology. You can attend medical school with a non-science bachelor's degree, but you will still need to take the physical science, biology and mathematics courses to qualify for medical school.
Step 2
Choose the medical school you would like to attend. There are medical schools all over the United States and the school you choose depends on your personal preference in terms of location and reputation.
Step 3
Register for and take the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. The MCAT is the graduate exam that many medical schools use when evaluating students for admission.
Step 4
Complete the application and admission requirements for the medical school of your choice. Each school's criteria are different; some may require you to submit letters of reference with your application or have specific application dates.
Step 5
Attend and complete medical school, graduate and complete your internship and residency at a facility with a sports medicine program.
Step 6
Pass the American Osteopathic Association's or the American Board of Medical Specialists' licensing exam. You may also need to take the licensing exam for the state in which you wish to practice. Contact that state's medical licensing body for more information.
Step 7
Attend a two-year sports medicine fellowship, which will qualify you for a Certificate of Added Qualification, or CAQ, in sports medicine. Orthopedic surgeons do not need to have the CAQ but may wish to attend a sports medicine fellowship as well.
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