Being the Team Physician

Abstract

The team physician is a medical practitioner who provides medical care to a team or players during sporting events or activities. The position is integrated into the health care delivery of the athletes. This physician has special training and insight into the nature of sporting-related injuries as well as sideline emergencies and is responsible for managing the health of the team and individual athletes of all ages. The team physician has a unique role as a practitioner and functions as a special kind of physician requiring a wider knowledge and technical skillset, greater leadership aptitude, and larger emotional intelligence than practice otherwise usually requires. While team physicians frequently dedicate a great deal of their time, most find the work meaningful and rewarding.