OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TEAM PHYSICIAN

Sports medicine abounds with opportunities for
research. Simply keeping accurate epidemiologic and
injury data has the potential to impact training regimens,
competition rules, or mandates for protective
equipment (Rice, 2000).


Every would-be team physician must research the
medical liability risk and insurance coverage associated
with the position. A written contract or memorandum
of understanding with the institution or team that
defines responsibilities and level of coverage expected
is essential—even if no compensation is to be
received (Rice, 2002). Good Samaritan laws exist in
many states but the exact law varies widely between
different jurisdictions. Most Good Samaritan laws
apply only if the physician is receiving no compensation
for his or her services. Compensation may be
defined by a specific dollar amount, or as little as
receiving a team shirt to wear at games!


Compensation as a team physician is variable. Almost
all work with teams competing at less than collegiate
level is voluntary. Deferring offers for nominal remuneration
in favor of paying a trainer’s salary can be a
beneficial and time saving option (Rice, 2002). Most
team physicians work with athletic teams solely for
professional and personal satisfaction owing to their
interest in sports and athletes.