Education in Orthopedic Sports Medicine

In 1992, sports medicine was recognized as a subspecialty under the American Board of Emergency Medicine. As one of the youngest specialties in medicine, sports medicine is constantly evolving as is the education of orthopedic surgeons. As a physician, the two major avenues to work in sports medicine are to become an orthopedic surgeon or a primary care sports medicine physician. Primary care physicians (PCPs) typically evaluate and treat medical problems of athletes as well as nonsurgical care for musculoskeletal disorders. For surgical intervention and more severe injuries, orthopedic surgeons are the main resource. In orthopedic residencies, the intern year is dedicated to giving new doctors an all-around surgical education with a focus on orthopedics beginning toward the end of the year. For PGY2 (postgraduate year), many programs diverge in their structures by offering different rotations and courses. Once residents begin their third year, they are exposed to all types of orthopedic surgery, and in their fourth and fifth years they are considered “senior residents.” After completing residency, surgeons have a choice of whether to pursue a fellowship. Currently in the USA, approximately 90% of graduating orthopedic residents go on to pursue a fellowship. Fellows are trained in the operating room with even more specialization and hands-on learning. Even after residency and fellowship, it remains mandatory to further one’s education in the field of sports medicine. Continuing medical education (CME) is usually through attending conferences as well as CME courses offered through universities and/or hospitals.