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
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine. According to the wage tables, average income is $311K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $126K per year | NA per year | $311K per year | NA per year | $607K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $246K 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.
In Canada, becoming a Sports Medicine Physician typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Most physicians then complete a two-year family medicine residency, followed by one additional year of focused training in sport and exercise medicine. Some physicians enter sports medicine through other specialties, such as internal medicine or orthopedics, though this is less common.
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.
