Courses and Career Opportunities in Sports Medicine Doctor after MBBS
Want to know what are the unique, hot career options after completing MBBS? This article focuses on one such option, giving an insight into how to become a Sports Medicine Doctor in India. You will get an overview into the work profile of a doctor in Sports Medicine as well as information on online courses and study abroad options in sports medicine.
Overview
Sports medicine is a discipline which enables qualified professionals in the field to assist in injury prevention, rehabilitate an injured person and help a sportsperson to enhance performance. A Sports Medicine Doctor may even be called upon to check the fitness levels of a sportsperson and thus assist in selecting talented people to represent an organization. However, while the word 'sports' is affixed to the profession, it should be noted that a Sports Medicine Doctor is not limited to the field of sports. Some who suffer from back, shoulder or knee pain or those wishing to be fit generally, including senior citizens, may want to avail of the expertise of a Sports Medicine Doctor. What's more, the discipline of sports medicine is such that, during its course of study & practice, it incorporates the related fields of physiology and physical training specialists.
Work profile of a Sports Medicine Doctor
Here's a general idea of what you will be involved in as a Sports Medicine Doctor:Academic requirements
You have to first get a recognized MBBS degree. After that, you need to pursue a postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, ideally one which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Training modules include rehabilitation, exercise physiology, etc.General skills required
In addition to formal academic qualifications, a person entering the profession of a Sports Medicine Doctor should have an in-depth knowledge of various sports disciplines to get a better understanding of injuries related to specific sports. This in turn will aid in making the right diagnosis and preparing an effective rehab plan. It is equally essential to be up to date on international sports and related technology which could assist in injury management and performance enhancement.Where to study Sports Medicine in India
Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala
The Faculty of Sports Sciences at NSNIS, Patiala offers a 2-year Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine which is affiliated to the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot and is recognized by the National Medical Commission.
About the course: The course is taught in English medium with lectures, seminars, assignments, etc as part of the program. It is mandatory to have a minimum of 85% attendance. The practical aspect of the course includes a Rotatory internship at the Govt. Medical College, Patiala in Medicine, Orthopedics, Surgery and Anesthesia. You will get the opportunity for hands-on experience when assisting medical teams at national coaching camps and competitions. You will also conduct scientific lab tests to evaluate the functional and reserve capacities of sportspersons.
A plus point is getting a stipend of Rs.15600 – 39100 + Rs.5400 Grade Pay + DA (this may change as per norms in force at the time). However, an in-service/sponsored candidate is not eligible for any stipend.
Eligibility: You should have a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS exam from any of the Indian/Foreign universities recognized by the National Medical Commission), and a one-year compulsory rotatory internship.
Note: It is mandatory to have obtained permanent registration with the National Medical Commission or any of the State Medical Councils or you should obtain it within one month of the date of admission. Foreign nationals or NRIs must obtain their post-graduation study registration from the National Medical Commission.
Course Fee: Rs. 40,000/- for the first year; Rs. 45,000/- for the second year. Check the official website to know the fee to be paid at the time of admission.
Admission process: Admission to the course for the six seats is through a written test and an interview.
Contact information-
Executive Director/Principal- Ph: 0175-2215289 / Fax: 0175-2212070
Email: smcnsnis@gmail.com
Website: http://nsnis.org/
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune The Department of Sports Medicine, AFMC, Pune offers a 3-year M.D. program in Sports Medicine. You will attend classes in AFMC as well as on a rotational basis at other institutes, such as the Army Sports Institute, the Armed Forces Sports Medicine Center, the National Defense Academy, the Radiology & Orthopedics Dept. at MH Kirkee, etc. Facilities at AFMC include a Departmental library, a seminar room, a physiotherapy and rehab center, a sports OPD complex, etc.
Number of seats: 2 seats
Course fee: not known.
Eligibility: MBBS and permanent registration with the National Medical Commission or any of the State Medical Councils or you should obtain it within one month of the date of admission. Admission is based on NEET-PG
Contact information-
Campus: Wanowrie, Pune – 411040.
For queries related to PG courses contact: Brig Trg Tele/ fax +91 20 26331580.
Website: AFMC, PuneSri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
The Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University) offers an MCI-approved 3-year M.D. course in Sports Medicine. The infrastructure includes physiology, bio-mechanical and other labs, a sports rehabilitation unit, a cafeteria, a library, recreational facilities, etc.
Eligibility: MBBS and permanent registration with the National Medical Commission or any of the State Medical Councils or you should obtain it within one month of the date of admission.
Course Fee: not known
Contact information-
Campus: Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Archanas Canteen Rd, Vijayalakshmi Nagar, Ramachandra Nagar, Porur, Chennai - 600116, Tamil Nadu.
Ph: 044 -4592 8650, Ext. no.8636.
Email: hod.sportsmedicine@sriramachandra.edu.in
Website: https://www.sriramachandra.edu.in/university/academics.php?did=28Online options to Study Sports Medicine
IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine
The Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) offers a postgraduate-level program in Sports Medicine which is run by Sports Oracle. It is conducted for the duration of six months from 1st October of each year and takes two years to complete. The course is offered in Distance Learning mode on a part-time basis with a graduation and IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine on completing the course. Lectures will be given via audio-video presentations, with reading material in electronic format. The main textbooks and a subscription to the British Journal of Sports Medicine will also be provided as part of the registration fee. You will get the opportunity to interact with fellow students, Program Directors and international Academic Advisory Board (AAB) members via a Zoom call every month.
Course Fee: The annual tuition fee for the October 2024 session is- Part 1: £2,700 (GBP); Part 2: £2,700 (GBP) [Note- the fees may rise at the time of intake.]
Eligibility: You should have a degree or equivalent qualification in Medicine from a recognised University and must be eligible for professional registration as a medical practitioner. Since English is the medium of instruction, those whose native language is not English should provide evidence of competence in English, namely TOEFL at 500 or above, ILET6 at 6 or above, and GCSE or equivalent in the English language. Refer to the official website for further requirements.
Contact information-
Since the IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine is run by Sports Oracle, you can send admission queries by email to admissions@sportsoracle.com and for other communications you can send an email to Email: admin@sportsoracle.comMedvarsity
Medvarsity is offering the Fellowship in Sports Rehabilitation online certificate course with a contact program option. It is related to sports medicine as it provides training in the field of sports rehabilitation, knowledge of concepts for athletic injuries, drug abuse in sports, etc. The course is certified by Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation & Medvarsity.
Course fee(for this year): Rs. 78,750/-.
Eligibility: You should have completed MBBS or should be a general practitioner (BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, Physiotherapist).Study Abroad options in Sports Medicine
There are reputed universities outside India which offer excellent academic opportunities to study abroad. Just a few are mentioned below –University of Utah
You can take up Introduction to Sports Medicine as an elective while pursuing the undergraduate program of Kinesiology at the Department of Physical Education, Snow College, University of Utah. Lectures will be combined with training in the lab to evaluate injuries and learn about preventive taping methods. You can pay an additional fee to discuss Injury rehabilitation and prevention.
Contact information-
Snow College
150 College Ave.
Ephraim, Utah 84627
435.283.7000
Email: snowcollege@snow.edu
[Note- I am mentioning this course here even though it is an undergraduate program]Queen Mary College, University of London
You can pursue a one year Medic M.Sc. Sports and Exercise Medicine program at the Queen Mary College, University of London. PG Diploma and PG Certificate level courses are also available. You can even pursue the Medic M.Sc. program in a part-time mode for two year or four years. Academic studies are supported by learning sessions through practice with patients.
Eligibility: You should have a Bachelor's Degree (minimum 3 years) from selected institutions for admission to the M.Sc. program. Additionally, you should have at least one year of clinical experience. If you are a physiotherapist with an overseas qualification, you must be registered with the Health Professions Council. Note that a Bachelor of Vocation (B. Voc.) is not acceptable for admission to the M.Sc. program. If English is not your first language, check the IELTS requirements for the program.
Contact information-
William Harvey Research Institute
Use the contact page: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/contact/
Main Switchboard of Queen Mary College: +44 (0)20 7882 5555
Website: www.qmul.ac.uk/University of Queensland
For those international students holding alternative Australian Visa/Residency status with a sufficient study entitlement there are quite a few courses related to sports medicine offered by the The University of Queensland, two of which are:
Eligibility: You should have an approved degree in medicine and 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) post-qualification clinical practice. Applicants must hold registration as a medical practitioner in the country of practice. Refer to the official website to know the GPA/equivalent requirements
You can also check out their other courses related to this field by typing 'sports medicine' in their search box.
Contact information-
The University of Queensland
Website: https://www.uq.edu.au/
Ph: +61 7 3346 9872Job scope
Once you have the requisite qualifications and training, here's how you can launch your career as a Sports Medicine Doctor:
Keep in mind that, like in any field, you need to upgrade your knowledge & skills. You can attend workshops and seminars, such as those conducted by the Indian Association of Sports Medicine (IASM),, which has its headquarters at J.N. Stadium, New Delhi.
Important note to the reader: At the time of posting this article, the courses mentioned were offered at the colleges/universities listed. You are requested to confirm that the course is current and a recognized one. Take due care also in checking out the study abroad options mentioned, finding out the reputation of the college/university, its course affiliation/accreditation, and also whether those qualifications are acceptable in India for a professional career here in sports medicine.
Follow
Hi, I have completed my MSc in Sports Medicine at Queen Mary Univesity in London. Is my degree recognised by MCI?