2080S0010X - Pediatrics Sports Medicine

Updated on October 19, 2025. Version 23.1

A pediatrician who is responsible for continuous care in the field of sports medicine, not only for the enhancement of health and fitness, but also for the prevention of injury and illness. A sports medicine physician must have knowledge and experience in the promotion of wellness and the prevention of injury. Knowledge about special areas of medicine such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, physical rehabilitation, epidemiology, physical evaluation, injuries (treatment and prevention and referral practice) and the role of exercise in promoting a healthy lifestyle are essential to the practice of sports medicine. The sports medicine physician requires special education to provide the knowledge to improve the healthcare of the individual engaged in physical exercise (sports) whether as an individual or in team participation.

Source: American Board of Medical Specialties, 2007. www.abms.org [7/1/2007: definition added, source added; 7/1/2011: modified source]

Additional Resources: American Board of Pediatrics, 2007. http://www.abp.org/. American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics, 2007. http://www.osteopathic.org/certification

Board certification for Medical Doctors (MDs) is provided by the American Board of Pediatrics. Board certification for Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) is provided by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.