Athletic Team Coverage During Residency

Medical coverage of athletics is an important aspect of sports medicine practice and can offer unique learning opportunities to physicians in training. While athletic event coverage is not traditionally a part of training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine has been, and continues to be, an area of growth in our field. Physiatrists are now eligible to sit for board certification in sports medicine through existing ACGME-accredited fellowship programs. These programs are predominately associated with family practice departments; however, PM&R-based sports medicine programs are undoubtedly on the horizon. The natural extension of these developments, and the increasing focus on musculoskeletal medicine in general, creates an increase in the involvement of residents in athletic team coverage.

Athletic team coverage can provide several benefits to physiatrists in training. For example, it can create opportunities for exposure to high-level athletes who have specific functional demands beyond those of the general population. Physiatrists are especially qualified to provide support in this area and to assist in the development of appropriate rehabilitation programs. Event coverage can also provide opportunities to assess musculoskeletal injuries earlier in their time course than may be otherwise possible. Furthermore, athletic team coverage can serve as an introduction to the sports medicine model of care in which the doctor is a part of a team of trainers, coaches, and athletes.

Sports coverage can be a valuable addition to any residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The residency program at Temple University Hospital has developed a relationship with the athletic department at Philadelphia University and provides coverage at both men’s and women’s basketball games. Philadelphia University competes in Division II athletics in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and has superb athletic facilities and staff. Working under Temple University sports medicine physicians, residents are able to learn from the excellent team of trainers and gain exposure to athletic team coverage. I would encourage any program to explore their community and institution for opportunities to work with local athletic teams.

Michael Mallow, MD
PGY3 – Temple University Hospital
Residency Program liaison chair
 

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