Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving world of sports medicine, the focus on pediatric sports medicine specialists has never been greater.

As the sports culture evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, manage, and prevent sports-related injuries in children increases.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s really expected from a pediatric sports medicine specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complexities of pediatric sports medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric sports medicine specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise in children and adolescents.

They have a broad understanding of pediatric medicine, orthopedics, and sports injuries.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate and diagnose sports and exercise-related injuries in children and adolescents
• Provide treatment plans for young athletes to help them recover from injuries
• Perform physical examinations and tests to assess the physical condition of patients
• Recommend and provide physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
• Prescribe medication and treatment regimens for injury recovery
• Conduct research to advance the understanding of sports injuries in children and adolescents
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Provide education and guidance on injury prevention, conditioning, and sports nutrition
• Conduct fitness assessments to determine readiness for participation in sports
• Manage chronic conditions that can affect sports participation in children and adolescents

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a committed Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist to diagnose, treat, and help prevent sports-related injuries in children and adolescents.

The Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist will be tasked with evaluating and treating a variety of orthopedic injuries, developing effective treatment plans, and guiding young athletes in injury prevention and performance enhancement.

The ideal candidate is experienced in pediatrics and sports medicine with a deep understanding of the unique needs and physiology of young athletes.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and diagnose sports-related injuries in children and adolescents
• Develop and implement effective treatment plans for patients
• Perform physical examinations and collect health histories from patients
• Provide guidance on injury prevention, nutrition, and fitness to young athletes
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Stay up-to-date with developments in pediatric sports medicine
• Communicate effectively with patients, their families, and coaching staff

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
• Board certified in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine
• Proven experience in pediatric sports medicine
• Strong understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of children and adolescent athletes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist
• Work Environment: This position involves regular hours in a medical office environment, with additional time spent in surgical settings and local sports venues.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: The pay range can vary greatly depending on experience and education level, but a ballpark range might be $180,000 to $250,000 annually.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Do?

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries in children and adolescents.

They primarily work in hospitals, private clinics, and sports medicine centers.

Some may also work in schools and universities, serving as consultants for sports teams or individual athletes.

Their duties encompass a wide range of medical care, starting from the initial examination and diagnosis of the sports-related injury.

They conduct physical examinations, utilize diagnostic imaging, and sometimes perform surgical procedures if required.

They also provide personalized treatment plans which may include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

They work closely with physical therapists and other medical professionals to ensure a holistic approach to a child’s recovery.

In addition, Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists play a crucial role in injury prevention.

They provide guidance on proper sports techniques, equipment use, nutrition, and general wellness to avoid future injuries.

They also monitor the progress of the young athlete’s recovery, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan to ensure optimal healing and rehabilitation.

Moreover, they are responsible for supporting the mental and emotional well-being of their young patients, recognizing the potential psychological impact of sports injuries.

In summary, their role is to ensure that young athletes can participate safely in sports, while promoting the long-term health and well-being of their patients.

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist should have a unique blend of skills and qualifications pertaining to both pediatric care and sports medicine, including:

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to assess and treat various sports-related injuries and conditions in children and adolescents.
• Expertise in pediatric care to understand the unique needs and physical development of children and adolescents.
• Proficiency in conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests, including X-rays, MRI scans, and other imaging tests.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with young patients, parents, and other healthcare professionals. Ability to explain complex medical terms and conditions in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with young patients, making them feel comfortable and reducing their anxiety about treatments or procedures.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patient symptoms, make accurate diagnoses, and develop effective treatment plans.
• Ability to stay updated with latest advancements in pediatric sports medicine through continuous learning and professional development.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, carry out detailed examinations, and perform minor surgical procedures.

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Experience Requirements

A Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist typically begins their journey with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology, pre-med, or kinesiology.

This is followed by attending medical school for four years, where they gain significant theoretical and practical experience in medicine.

After medical school, they must complete a pediatric residency program which usually lasts for three years.

This provides them with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating children’s diseases and injuries.

Following this, they must complete a sports medicine fellowship, which can take 1-2 years.

During this period, they will gain specialized knowledge and experience in treating sports-related injuries and conditions in children.

Those with more than 5 years of post-residency experience in pediatric sports medicine have probably developed their technical skills and knowledge extensively and may be ready for a supervisory or leadership role.

Some pediatric sports medicine specialists may also have additional experience or training in orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

They may also gain experience by working with school sports teams, community sports organizations, or professional children’s sports teams.

Overall, the Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist role requires extensive educational and practical experience, particularly in pediatrics and sports medicine.

They must also have a strong ability to work with children and young athletes and understand their unique needs and challenges.

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field.

This is followed by four years of medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Following medical school, a one-year internship is generally required, followed by a three-year residency in pediatrics, family medicine, or internal medicine.

After the residency, aspiring Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists must complete a fellowship in sports medicine, which typically lasts 1-2 years.

During this fellowship, the focus will be on treating sports-related injuries and conditions in children and adolescents.

In addition to education, Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists must be licensed to practice medicine in their state.

This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

Board certification is not required but is highly recommended for better job prospects.

To be board-certified in Pediatric Sports Medicine, one must pass the Pediatric Sports Medicine Certification Examination administered by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.

Continuing education is crucial in this field to stay updated with the latest advancements in sports medicine and pediatrics.

Many Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists also pursue advanced training in areas like orthopedic surgery or physical therapy to enhance their skills and expertise.

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist earns an average salary of $216,579 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly vary depending on the medical professional’s years of experience, geographical location, and the healthcare facility where they are employed.

 

Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist need?

A Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, their parents, and other healthcare professionals.

They should also have a comprehensive knowledge of sports-related injuries and treatment methods in children, along with a good understanding of pediatric anatomy and physiology.

They must also have the ability to make quick decisions and stay calm during emergencies.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist need?

To become a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist, one must first complete a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year medical school program.

After that, they have to complete a residency program in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, or Orthopedic Surgery.

This is followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine.

Board certification in their primary specialty and Sports Medicine is also required.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist’s resume?

Firstly, look for the candidate’s educational background and ensure they have completed the necessary degrees and programs.

Check for board certification in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine.

Look for experience in treating sports-related injuries in children and adolescents.

Additional training or experience in orthopedic surgery is a plus.

Also, note any research or publications related to pediatric sports medicine, which shows their commitment to the field.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist?

A good Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist should be compassionate and patient, as they will be working with children who may be in pain or discomfort.

They should also have a good understanding of the unique requirements of young athletes and be able to provide suitable treatment plans for their recovery.

Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are other desirable qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist?

Hiring a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

Additionally, the candidate must have a passion for sports medicine and enjoy working with children.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, continued education opportunities, and a positive working environment can help attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about treating injuries.

It’s about nurturing young athletes’ potential, one diagnosis at a time.

With our foolproof Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to leap into action.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your springboard to precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every diagnosis is a step towards a young athlete’s healthier future.

Let’s nurture that potential. Together.

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