AANA Lab Course 1002 -3rd Annual Fellows/Chief Residents-Team Physician_ Roles and Responsibilities-Kevin W. Farmer, M.D.

Team Physician_ Roles and Responsibilities-Kevin W. Farmer, M.D.

Pdf Summary

This document by Dr. Kevin W. Farmer outlines the essential roles and responsibilities of a team physician in sports medicine. The team physician must be a medically qualified professional (MD or DO) with expertise in on-field emergency care, musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, and psychological issues affecting athletes. Board certification and fellowship training in sports medicine are highly desirable, along with continuous education and membership in professional societies.<br /><br />Primary responsibilities include ensuring the health and well-being of athletes, having ultimate authority in medical decision-making, and maintaining a strong working relationship with athletic trainers who interact closely with players and staff. The team physician oversees injury and illness management, preparticipation examinations (PPE), return-to-play decisions, and addresses broader performance factors like nutrition, conditioning, psychological recovery, and substance use.<br /><br />Administrative duties involve developing and rehearsing Emergency Action Plans (EAP), coordinating communication among medical personnel, coaches, athletes, and administrators, and monitoring environmental and equipment conditions. Ethical considerations focus on confidentiality (HIPAA and FERPA compliance), informed consent, conflict of interest management, and handling pressures from third parties, including coaches and media.<br /><br />Medicolegal responsibilities emphasize compliance with institutional and governmental regulations, accurate medical documentation, and cautious decision-making regarding clearances and injury management. On game days, the team physician must assess athlete readiness, manage injuries, communicate effectively with all stakeholders, and review emergency protocols.<br /><br />The key to successful team physician practice is preparation, clear communication, adherence to a chain of command, prioritizing athlete safety, and maintaining professional boundaries without self-promotion through players. Ultimately, the team physician holds final authority on medical decisions impacting athlete participation.

Keywords

Team Physician

Sports Medicine

Athlete Health

Injury Management

Emergency Action Plan

Preparticipation Examination

Return-to-Play Decisions

Medical Ethics

Medicolegal Responsibilities

Athletic Trainer Collaboration