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completed an athletic
training program or
received some training
in emergency medicine.
A residency combines
classroom work with
more clinical practice.
A fellowship does the
same, but in an even
more intense way, and
might focus on just one
part of the body, such as
the hand or spine.
Sports Doctor/Surgeon
The path to becoming a team doctor or surgeon is the longest
of any of the sports medicine professions. In college, students
usually take a pre-med curriculum, which focuses on the sciences.
The next step is to get into a four-year medical school, which
is competitive. In 2013, more than 690,000 students competed
for just over 20,000 slots at U.S. medical schools. Excellent
undergraduate grades are crucial for getting into med school.
21
G
etting
S
tarted
A physical therapist might use weight machines or other
devices to help their patients heal properly.