What Are the Duties of a Team Physician?

Identifying Negligence in Sports Medicine

From young children to elite athletes, team physicians often play a critical role in identifying and treating sports injuries. They are usually one of the first medical providers to see an injured athlete and are relied upon to make prompt, accurate diagnoses. When a team physician fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, it may amount to medical malpractice. 

At The Beasley Firm, we provide experienced representation for injured athletes who have suffered additional harm due to medical malpractice. We fight to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm has secured some of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Pennsylvania's history and will continue to work tirelessly for our clients.

If your sports injury was not properly diagnosed, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is the Role of a Team Physician?

While the role of a team physician is generally defined by the athletic organization, there is a Team Physician Consensus Statement that seeks to homogenize the area of medicine. It not only provides guidelines to help organizations choose a team physician but it also outlines the duties and responsibilities of the job. 

According to the consensus statement, team physicians should have an “unrestricted medical license” and should be an M.D. or D.O. They are generally responsible for treating athletes and coordinating any outside medical care. Additionally, team physicians should hold in-depth knowledge in the care of “musculoskeletal injuries” and other common injuries or conditions relevant to the sport. 

What Are the Duties of a Team Physician?

The duties of a team physician encompass two broad categories: medical management of the athlete and administrative or logistical duties. 

Medical management of the athlete includes:

• Pre-participation screenings, examination, and evaluation
• Management of on-field injuries
• Medical care for injuries and illnesses
• Rehabilitation coordination
• Preparation for a safe return 
• Integration of other healthcare providers for their expertise
• Education and counseling on nutrition, conditioning, and other medical problems

Failure of a team physician to do any of the medical management tasks of an athlete may result in a valid claim for medical malpractice. If you suspect that your team physician failed to provide you with adequate care, you need to speak to an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights including whether you have the right to compensation.

Did You Suffer a Sports Injury? Contact Our Office.

If you were injured while playing sports and your team physician failed to timely or adequately diagnose your injury, contact our office. Call (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free consultation. All case evaluations are provided without obligation to retain our services. 

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing athletes who were harmed as a result of sports medical malpractice. We will help you understand the legal process and work hard to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. It is important to act fast as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Call now to get started.