TEAM PHYSICIAN – Part 1
A team physician is responsible for treating and coordinating the medical care of the athletic team members by enabling every athlete to realize their potential.
They should possess exceptional proficiency in the care of muscular and skeletal injuries and medical conditions encountered concerning that sport.
He / she should actively integrate medical expertise with healthcare providers such as medical specialists, athletic trainers and other health professionals.
A team physician also assumes responsibility for making medical decisions that affect athletes’ safe participation and having an unrestricted medical license.
Primary care physicians comprise the majority of team physicians.
He / she takes care of athletes and contributes to their success by maximizing training and preparing for competition, diagnosing ailments and promptly yet completely rehabbing the injury of athletes back to competition condition as quickly and safely as possible.
A team physician should also possess knowledge of injury prevention principles, good communication skills, a desire to educate and learn and be flexible and readily available at any time.
CORE KNOWLEDGE OF TEAM PHYSICIAN
- UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
- KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE AND DRUGS USED IN TREATMENT
- BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
- KNOWLEDGE OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND PROPER NUTRITION
- UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
To perform duties efficiently, a team physician needs an understanding of medical conditions present in sports, which commonly occur for an athlete. The knowledge should compromise many areas of medical science, such as orthopaedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, dermatology, and principles of rehabilitation, but should not just be limited to these fields.
2. KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINES AND DRUGS USED IN TREATMENT:
A team physician should be an expert in pharmacology, and practical pharmacology, knowing how to treat illness but also having a knowledge of PED (Performance Enhancing Drugs) and herbal medications. Should also possess knowledge of banned substances by the governing associations to prevent an athlete from losing their eligibility and credibility.
3. BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY:
Basic knowledge of behavioural medications and psychology is necessary for a team physician. Mood disturbances and mental illness affect athletes; depression can be universal in injured athletes.
4. KNOWLEDGE OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND PROPER NUTRITION:
Knowledge of exercise science and nutrition can help prevent injuries and also helps to maximize an athlete’s performance. Disordered eating and overtraining can be devastating if not recognized in the beginning and treated efficiently.