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 presentation by Dr. Kevin W. Farmer outlines the comprehensive roles and responsibilities of a team physician, particularly in sports settings like collegiate athletics. Essential qualifications for a team physician include holding an MD or DO license, possessing fundamental knowledge in on-field emergency care (e.g., concussions, cardiac events, spinal injuries), and CPR/AED training. Board certification, especially in orthopaedics and sports medicine (including CAQ in Sports Medicine), fellowship training, and continuous medical education in sports medicine are strongly desirable.<br /><br />The team physician’s primary responsibility is safeguarding the health and well-being of athletes, maintaining ultimate authority over medical decisions, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Close collaboration with athletic trainers is vital, as these trainers often serve as primary communication liaisons with athletes, coaches, and families.<br /><br />Key duties include establishing a clear chain of command for injury and illness management, conducting or reviewing preparticipation examinations (PPE), overseeing injury prevention and medical care during and beyond athletic events, and addressing diverse athlete populations (female, adolescent, master athletes). Administrative tasks involve developing and rehearsing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), ensuring proper equipment and supplies, identifying environmental risks, and defining medical team roles.<br /><br />Ethical considerations stress confidentiality (HIPAA and FERPA compliance), informed consent, managing conflicts of interest, and resisting external pressures from teams, media, or third parties. Medicolegal compliance involves adherence to institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines, thorough documentation, and careful RTP (return-to-play) decisions.<br /><br />On game days, the team physician assesses injuries, determines clearance to play, coordinates medical personnel, communicates with officials, and documents all medical activities. Emphasis on preparation, communication, and maintaining a clear chain of command underscores successful athlete care. Finally, team physicians are cautioned against self-promotion through athlete injuries, reminded to treat players as private patients, and reinforced as having the final authority in medical decisions related to athlete health.

Keywords

team physician

sports medicine

athlete health

emergency care

board certification

injury prevention

ethical considerations

medical documentation

return-to-play

emergency action plan