Sports medicine doctor

The sports doctor is a medical sciences specialist for physical education and sport. It is responsible for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries and physiological and mental improvement through physical activity, which he or she prescribes and controls.

Professional knowledge areas are related to the educational and sports activity during schooling period, sports activity and the working environment. In the sports field, in addition to preventing and treating injuries, it improves the athlete's performance by assessing their condition and abilities and carrying out a mentoring and medical supervision task. In the workplace, it improves the physical fitness of employees, both at work and at leisure time, and re-educates their psychomotor and physical skills. In the school environment, he works for sports health training and for physical abilities optimal maintenance.

• Analyses the patient's state of health and his/her ability to practice sports or physical activity.
  Conduct medical-sports examinations of persons who regularly do physical activity.
  Measure aerobic capacity, strength and flexibility.
  Analyse the development of muscle, the condition of joints and the reaction of the heart when it is subject to stress.
  Evaluate and diagnose capacity, aspects that should be corrected or improved and aspects which should be avoided.
• Work on medical aspects with athletes and with anyone who performs a physical activity.
  Help the trainer or coach design the best exercise programme for each athlete, providing assessment, scientific control and monitoring of sports performance.
  Conduct regular check-ups to evaluate progress after a period of training.
  Design a new set of exercises, based on the results of the check-up.
• Prevent injuries that can be caused by practicing sports.
  Teach athletes to know their limits and to not force their bodies.
  Emphasise warming up and stretching in the preventive work of athletes.
  Strengthen muscles needed to endure each type of sport.
• Diagnose and treat injuries and disorders related to the practice of sports.
  Examine injured patients by performing a clinical exam, x-rays or an MRI.
  Evaluate test results and make a diagnosis.
  Propose a treatment which may include anything from an exercise programme and other physiotherapy resources, such as heat therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy or hydrotherapy, to prescription medications or surgery.
• Promote the overall physical and mental health of all persons through physical activity programmes suitable for each age and condition.
• Encourage the autonomy of disabled people and the elderly by recommending suitable, customised physical activity programmes.
• Prevent and treat certain disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and obesity, with suitable physical exercise programmes.
• Provide medical advice on healthy habits and their importance for physical and mental health (physical exercise, nutrition and lifestyle).
• Actively participate in the development and dissemination of new knowledge in the area of Physical Education and Sports Medicine.
  Collaborate in promoting research in areas related to physical performance and fitness and health.
  Conduct or direct research projects in relevant areas.
  Participates in conferences and congresses.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Medicina

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Empathy: Level 3

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Healthcare

Working to maintain and improve health, as well as physical and mental well-being, is the primary interest of people who are involved in the field of healthcare. Some of the activities in this field include making diagnoses, prescribing treatments and monitoring illnesses and injuries. These activities also include the application of therapeutic treatments (traditional or alternative) with a view to facilitating the physical recovery of those being treated. To carry out these activities, one must have in-depth knowledge of the human body and medicine, in its various specialisations.

Optometrist

Naturopath

Acupuncture specialist

Neuropsychologist

Doctor

• Work hours

  These professionals most commonly work full-time (40 hours/week), but occasionally they work part-time. General schedules are set, but with on-call duty. Timetables usually include a break for lunch (morning and afternoon), but, depending on the centre, there may be morning or afternoon shifts.

• Salary

  The salaries paid depend on the type of activity exercised and the employer. Gross annual salaries range from 30,000 to 60,000 Euros, approximately. On-call hours are calculated separately.

• Professional category

  Technician

• Human resources and equipment

  Personal computer. Basic furniture (table, chairs, etc.).

• Initial investments

  Approximately 6,000 Euros. Assuming that the consultation space is rented.