Details Report for:
29-1069.11 - Sports Medicine Physicians
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.
- Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.
- Coordinate sports care activities with other experts including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.
- Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.
- Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.
- Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.
- Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.
- Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.
- Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.
- Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.
- Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.
- Record athletes' medical care information and maintain medical records.
- Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.
- Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.
- Record athletes' medical histories and perform physical examinations.
- Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.
- Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.
- Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.
- Develop and prescribe exercise programs such as off-season conditioning regimens.
- Advise athletes on how substances, such as herbal remedies, could affect drug testing results.
- Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.
- Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.
- Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.
- Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.
- Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
95   |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 83 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
| 61 |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 22 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 17 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 6 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 89 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 89 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 86 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 83 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 72 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
| 67 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Employment data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.
Industry data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.
| Employment (2008) | 661,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 260,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Health Care and Social Assistance (78% employed in this sector)
Self-Employed (12%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Physicians and surgeons
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.