teamphysicians

Team physicians are medical professionals who provide health care for athletes and sports organizations. They are usually specialists in sports medicine, orthopedics, or family medicine who are contracted by professional teams, colleges, national programs, or leagues. Their responsibilities include injury prevention, evaluation and treatment of injuries, rehabilitation, and decisions about return to play. They work with athletic trainers, therapists, strength and conditioning staff, coaches, and administrators to support athlete health and performance.

On-site, team physicians deliver acute care during practices and games, triage injuries, manage concussions, and handle medical emergencies. They also conduct preparticipation physical examinations to identify risk factors and establish medical clearance for competition. In addition, they oversee rehabilitation plans, coordinate referrals for imaging or surgery, and help determine safe timelines for return to sport.

Qualifications typically include a medical degree, state licensure, and board certification or eligibility in sports medicine or a related field, often with fellowship training. Team physicians may be full-time staff of a franchise or university, or independent contractors who work with multiple teams. They must follow ethical and legal standards, including patient confidentiality and informed consent, and coordinate care with other professionals while protecting athlete privacy.

Guidelines from professional bodies such as the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine influence team physician practice, particularly in the areas of concussion management, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocols.