Portfolio GP - Sports Medicine

Working as a General Practitioner with a Special Interest in Sports Medicine 

General practitioners (GPs) with a special interest in sports medicine are doctors who have additional training and experience in treating and preventing sports-related injuries and illnesses. They work with athletes of all ages and abilities, from recreational weekend warriors to professional athletes. GPs with a special interest in sports medicine have a broad range of skills and knowledge. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related injuries, including muscle strains and sprains, ligament tears, bone fractures, and concussions. They can also provide advice on preventing injuries, improving performance, and recovering from injuries. In addition to their clinical work, many GPs with a special interest in sports medicine are also involved in teaching and research. They may work as part of a sports medicine team at a university or professional sports organization. They may also conduct research on sports-related injuries and illnesses. 

What it takes to become a GP with a special interest in sports medicine 

Once you have completed your GP training, you can then pursue additional training in sports medicine. There are a number of different ways to get additional training in sports medicine. You can complete a postgraduate diploma or fellowship in sports medicine, or you can undertake a period of supervised training with a sports medicine specialist. There is a popular Sports Medicine MSc at UCL that doctors do to gain the knowledge of sports medicine. There is nationalised training pathway that you can undertake to become a Sports Medicine consultant after you complete your GP training.

What to expect in your role 

As a GP with a special interest in sports medicine, you can expect to have a varied and interesting role. You will work with a wide range of patients, from recreational athletes to professional athletes. You will also have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings, such as general practice clinics, sports medicine clinics, and at sporting events. 

Your role may involve a range of different tasks, including: 

• Diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries and illnesses 
• Providing advice on preventing sports injuries and improving performance 
• Developing and implementing rehabilitation programs for sports injuries 
• Working with athletes to return to sport safely and effectively 
• Conducting research on sports-related injuries and illnesses 
• Teaching and mentoring other healthcare professionals in sports medicine 

The benefits of working as a GP with a special interest in sports medicine 

There are a number of benefits to working as a GP with a special interest in sports medicine. These include: 

• The opportunity to work with a wide range of patients, from recreational athletes to professional athletes 
• The opportunity to work in a variety of different settings, such as general practice clinics, sports medicine clinics, and at sporting events 
• The satisfaction of helping athletes to recover from injuries and achieve their goals 
• The opportunity to be involved in teaching and research
• Financial rewards, some big clubs or athletes or private clinics may be able to pay you much higher than NHS salaries

If you are interested in a career as a GP with a special interest in sports medicine, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself: 

• Gain as much experience as possible working with athletes. 
• This could involve volunteering at a sports club or working as a sports trainer. 
• Complete a postgraduate diploma or fellowship in sports medicine. 
• Undertake a period of supervised training with a sports medicine specialist. 
• Network with other GPs with a special interest in sports medicine. 
• Develop ultrasound skills as learning procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections can be invaluable to your practice.
• Keep up to date with the latest developments in sports medicine research and practice. 

Working as a GP with a special interest in sports medicine can be a rewarding and challenging career. It is a great opportunity to work with a wide range of patients and help them to achieve their goals. It can help diversify your work week and can lead to a nice portfolio career.

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