Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Sports Medicine Physician is a medical doctor specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. They focus on optimizing physical fitness and managing the health of athletes and physically active individuals.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 3.0% (average)
Annual job openings: 9,600
Direct AI exposure: 28% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 59% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $266K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $69K per year | $103K per year | $266K per year | $379K per year | $452K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $215K above the national average. | ||||
Sports Medicine Physicians work in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, sports organizations, and academic institutions. They often collaborate with physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other medical professionals. Their work might involve attending sports events, providing sideline medical care, and working in team training facilities.
Sports Medicine Physicians play a crucial role in the healthcare of athletes and those who engage in physical exercise. They possess specialized knowledge of sports-related injuries and conditions and work to not only treat these issues but also prevent them. Their expertise extends to understanding the impact of exercise on the body and how to optimize physical performance.
In their daily work, these physicians assess and diagnose injuries, create treatment plans, and monitor the rehabilitation process. They often work closely with athletes to develop personalized strategies for injury prevention, performance enhancement, and safe return to play after injury. A significant aspect of their role is to educate athletes, coaches, and teams on health and wellness in sports.
The field requires staying abreast of the latest research in sports medicine, including advancements in treatment techniques and injury prevention strategies. Sports Medicine Physicians must be skilled communicators and collaborators, capable of working with diverse teams and addressing the unique concerns of each athlete.
The path to becoming a Sports Medicine Physician typically involves a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and 3-4 years of residency in a related field such as family medicine, internal medicine, or orthopedics. This is often followed by a 1-2 year fellowship in sports medicine.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
