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What major do I take to become a sports medicine physician?

I am a Sophomore in high school and I’ve shown interest in sports medicine. I have been looking at colleges and I don’t know what major to pick. I have been told to not worry about it, but I just need to know. I need to know if the college is right for me or not.

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Doc’s Answer

The career path for a sports medicine physician is long, requiring at least 12 years of education following completion of high school. The steps and requirements to a career in sports medicine include:

1️⃣ EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE: The first stage of becoming a sports medicine doctor is to complete a four-year undergraduate college degree program. Although medical schools do not have degree requirements for certain majors, most students major in chemistry, biology, or pre-medicine. Students commonly also choose to take in-depth courses in chemistry, biology, math, literature and other subjects as part of a pre-medical education. During this time, pre-medical students also prepare and study to take the MCAT (Medical College Achievement Test).

2️⃣ COMPLETE MEDICAL SCHOOL: The next step for aspiring sports medicine doctors is attending and completing medical school. Graduating from medical school awards either a doctorate in medicine, such as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. ) degree. In medical school, students take classes on the anatomy and physiology of the human body, working in patient care, pharmacology, and medical ethics during the first two years. The last two years are spent in clinical rotations in hospital settings, where students gain experience working in patient care and perfecting communication, as well as medical record keeping, and teamwork with other doctors. Following these four years, one will graduate with their medicine degree and begin their career as a medical doctor.

3️⃣ OBTAIN A MEDICAL LICENSE: Following graduation from medical school, aspiring sports medicine physicians will apply for a temporary medical license. States often mandate that doctors have a medical license to practice lawfully. Upon graduation from residency and fellowship, physicians will apply for a full medical license to practice sports medicine

4️⃣ COMPLETE A RESIDENCY: Newly graduated doctors must complete additional hands on training following medical school, termed a residency. This requirement lasts for three to four years on average. There are a number of different residencies that an aspiring sports medicine physician can complete. These include family medicine, emergency medicine, physical rehabilitation (PM&R), pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, and internal medicine. Completing one of these residencies will provide physicians with a solid foundation in medicine prior to learning sports medicine.

5️⃣ ENROLL IN A FELLOWSHIP: Enroll in a Fellowship: Physicians interested in working in sports medicine will finish a one- to two-year fellowship in sports medicine after graduating from their residencies. During the sports medicine fellowship, they learn more about sports injuries while working as team doctors for groups such as a high school or college sports team. They will learn to treat sprains, strains, broken bones, and more. These one to two years will provide all the training required to become a fully trained sports medicine physician.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your response! Do you know which is best to take to get me ready through medical school? Mila
Thank you comment icon Mila the best pre-med major would be biological sciences, which encompasses fields like biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and neuroscience, as it closely aligns with the coursework required for medical school. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your help! Mila
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Dr’s Answer

It looks like you're interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine! To help you get started on this path, here’s some advice:

1. Undergraduate Major: For aspiring sports medicine physicians, common pre-med majors include Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology. These fields offer a strong foundation in the sciences, human anatomy, and the physical mechanics behind sports injuries. While you can technically major in other subjects, these choices will help you meet medical school prerequisites and build a strong science-based background.


2. Medical School: After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Medical school will include two years of classroom instruction followed by two years of clinical rotations, where you’ll gain hands-on patient care experience.


3. Residency: After medical school, you'll enter a residency program. For sports medicine, common residencies include Orthopedic Surgery, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This training will last about 3–4 years.


4. Fellowship in Sports Medicine: After residency, you’ll complete a sports medicine fellowship for 1–2 years. During this period, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in treating sports-related injuries, working as a team doctor, and learning advanced diagnostic techniques.


5. Licensing: After completing your education, you’ll need to pass licensing exams and obtain the necessary medical licensure to practice in your state.



It's great that you're already thinking ahead! Look for colleges with strong science programs and pre-med advising, and remember to take things one step at a time. You’re on a promising path!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Dr! Mila
Thank you comment icon You're always welcome, Mila! And hey, if I had a doctorate in awesomeness, I'd totally frame it on my wall. Keep being amazing, and remember—you're unstoppable! Dr H
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Mila,

It's awesome that you're already thinking ahead about your career in sports medicine. Here’s a general outline of the path you might want to take:

1. Undergraduate Major: Start with a major in Biology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Pre-Med. These fields will give you a strong foundation in the sciences and human anatomy.
2. Medical School: After earning your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school to become a doctor. Any of the above majors can help you prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the rigorous coursework in medical school.
3. Residency Program: Once you’ve completed medical school, you'll need to enter a residency program in a related field such as orthopedics, internal medicine, or family medicine.
4. Fellowship in Sports Medicine: After residency, you may choose to complete a fellowship in sports medicine to gain specialized training and experience.

While choosing a college, look for schools that have strong pre-med programs, good advising services, and opportunities for undergraduate research. It’s also important to find a place where you feel comfortable and supported.

Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it step by step, and you'll get there. You've got a promising future ahead of you!

Best wishes!
Thank you comment icon Chinyere, thank you! Mila
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Chinyere Okafor
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James Constantine’s Answer

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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Mila!

Choosing a Major to Become a Sports Medicine Physician

To become a sports medicine physician, you will need to follow a specific educational path that includes undergraduate education, medical school, and residency training. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Undergraduate Education

The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree. While there is no specific major required for admission into medical school, certain majors can provide a strong foundation for your future studies in medicine. Commonly recommended majors include:

Biology: This major covers essential topics such as human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, which are crucial for understanding the medical field.
Kinesiology or Exercise Science: These majors focus on human movement and physical activity, making them particularly relevant for sports medicine.
Health Sciences: This broad field encompasses various aspects of health and wellness, providing a well-rounded background.
Chemistry or Biochemistry: These majors emphasize the chemical processes within living organisms and are important for understanding drug interactions and metabolic functions.

Regardless of your major choice, it is vital to complete the prerequisite courses required by medical schools. These typically include biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and mathematics.

2. Medical School Admission

After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as part of your application to medical schools. A strong performance on this exam is crucial for gaining admission.

3. Medical School

Once admitted to medical school (which typically lasts four years), you will receive comprehensive training in various areas of medicine. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in different specialties.

4. Residency Training

After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency program in either family medicine or internal medicine with additional fellowship training in sports medicine. This residency typically lasts three years, followed by one year of specialized training in sports medicine.

5. Board Certification

Finally, after completing your residency and fellowship training, you will need to pass board certification exams in sports medicine to practice as a sports medicine physician.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is flexibility in choosing an undergraduate major when aspiring to become a sports medicine physician, selecting a field that provides relevant knowledge—such as biology or kinesiology—can be beneficial. It’s also essential to ensure that you meet all prerequisite courses required by medical schools during your undergraduate studies.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

American Medical Association (AMA): Provides comprehensive resources on medical education pathways including information about undergraduate degrees needed for medical school.

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Offers detailed guidelines on pre-medical education requirements and insights into the MCAT examination process.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Focuses specifically on sports medicine education and career paths within this specialty area.

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Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for this! I really love how u gave me details on which major I should pick. Mila
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Mila,

It's wonderful that you have found a career that you feel passionate about. The education to be a Sports Medicine Physician is a long but fascinating and rewarding one.

In order to become a Sports Medicine Physician, you first need to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). Your undergraduate studies can be in anything. Many students choose Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry. Psychology or in your case exercise science would also be good options.

Next you need to get into Medical School and earn your MD or DO degree (4 years). There are some courses that are pre-requisites for admission. You also need to pass the MCAT. I left some links to requirements at Harvard Medical School as an example. You need to look up similar information for schools you would consider. During medical school you'll learn theory and pass through several departments for practical training.

After earning your MD or DO, you'll do a residency where you'll focus on the practical skills of being a doctor and specialize. Suitable options would be Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), a 3-year residency. Other options would by orthopedic surgery (5 years), pediatrics (3 years), internal medicine (3 years) or emergency medicine (3-4 years). You find the length of residencies here:

https://residency.wustl.edu/residencies/length-of-residencies/

After your residency, you can do a fellowship to further specialize in sports medicine (1 year). Here is a list of options for a fellowship in sports medicine.

https://www.amssm.org/FellowshipsPositions.html
https://www.sportsmed.org/education/sports-medicine-fellowships/fellowship-listing

Also check out the information from professional societies:

https://www.amssm.org/Residents-Students.html

I hope this helps! Good luck!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-sports-medicine-doctor
https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-sports-medicine-physician
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/about-admissions
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-eligibility-requirements
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-prerequisite-courses
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Cheri’s Answer

Hi Mila,

It is great that you have identified interest in becoming a sports medicine physician and already started looking at colleges. Technically, you can major in any area of interest, but most pre-med students will choose to major in a science such as Biology or Chemistry. You will need to complete certain prerequisite science classes to apply to medical school, and a science major will include all of these prerequisites. Additionally, a major such as Exercise and Sport Science would also provide a solid science foundation for medical school with the added benefit of exposure to the science behind the treatment of athletic injuries.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mila
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