Sports Medicine Surgeon
The goal of a sports medicine surgeon is a physician that treats conditions involving injuries to muscles and skeleton due to sports-related stress to them. Another secondary function that the physician serves is to provide advice to athletes that will help them avoid injuries in the future.
It should be noted that sports medicine surgeons are a subsidy in the field of orthopedics and it is a profession that is extremely competitive and difficult to get into. Physicians who become sports medicine surgeons usually have up to fourteen years of education and training. The best way to approach becoming one if you decide to is to take it one step at a time.
1. First and foremost, get a bachelor’s degree
Medical schools accept prospective physicians from a variety of different fields and undergraduate backgrounds. You do not have to major in a medical fields. It is imperative, however, to do well in school as far as grades go and to take as many science classes as possible, even if they do not relate to your major. Also, get involved with different organizations that your school may offer. Remember, like with any job career preparation, not just sports medicine, it is important to network. Take classes relating to anatomy and physiology whiling learning first aid.
2. While in school, get involved
Go to medicine research conferences and volunteer a lot. It goes without saying that making some money in a part-time job related to sports medicine goes a long way in showing your dedication and involvement in the field. Get any kind of job in a hospital that does not require a degree but will help you learn about the practices of physicians within it. You can also find a private practice with a physician as a student trainer in college.
3. Applying for and attending medical school
The process of applying for medical school is very competitive as only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. The first thing you do is fill out the American Medical College Application Service. Make sure that you receive as many recommendations as possible from professors and physicians. Writing personal statements will become a repetitive task and you will be attending a lot of interviews as well. Remember, that it is key to show you dedication if you want to become a physician in sports medicine.
Completing medical school for becoming a physician in sports medicine involves two years of written work in the classroom. The third and fourth years are focused on hospital rotations. Remember to establish relationships with mentors as much as possible as it will help you in the long run when becoming a physician in sports medicine.
4. Orthopedics surgery residency
Prepare for a competitive round of interviews when applying for this. Make sure that you prepare your recommendations from professionals in the field of sports medicine and orthopedics. Completing a residency involves five years of advanced training. Make sure that you try to focus on sports medicine whenever possible.
5. Finally, perusing a career in sports medicine surgery requires a fellowship program. It is optional, but provides recommended training and experience and help you achieve your goal of becoming a physician trained in sports medicine surgery.
