The sports medicine practitioner, in the strictest sense, is a licensed physician who has specialized in orthopedics or psychiatry, but may also be an osteopath or a podiatrist. In a broader sense sports medicine encompasses those trained individuals who work under the guidance of a licensed physician. These individuals include athletic trainers and physical therapists. In addition, there are individuals who have advanced degrees in exercise physiology and adult fitness who may assist in sports medicine, again under the guidance of a physician. For information about athletic trainer programs check with Elaine Baker, Director at Furman's Sports Medicine program (294-2130). For information about exercise physiology and adult fitness check with Dr. William Pierce, Chairman of the Health & Exercise Science Department in the Physical Activities Center (294-3415).
Resource Links
American College of Sports Medicine; accrediting agency for sports medicine.
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM): website of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication, and fellowship. Founded in 1972, AOSSM is a national organization of orthopaedic surgeons dedicated to sports medicine.
American Journal of Sports Medicine: the official publication of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
The Physician and Sports Medicine: an on line source for primary care sports medicine clinical and personal health articles—and for helpful resources like our Sports Medicine Clinics and Fellowships lists.
Sportsmedicine.com: and informational web site with articles pertaining to sports medicine.