Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
<ul><li>Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.</li><li>Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.</li><li>Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.</li><li>Record athletes' medical care information and maintain medical records.</li><li>Record athletes' medical histories and perform physical examinations.</li><li>Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.</li><li>Coordinate sports care activities with other experts including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.</li><li>Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.</li><li>Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.</li><li>Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.</li><li>Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.</li><li>Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.</li><li>Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.</li><li>Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.</li><li>Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.</li><li>Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.</li><li>Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.</li><li>Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.</li><li>Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.</li><li>Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.</li><li>Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.</li><li>Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.</li><li>Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.</li><li>Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.</li><li>Develop and prescribe exercise programs such as off-season conditioning regimens.</li><li>Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.</li></ul>