Training and Practice Settings of Physicians Dual-Certified in Emergency and Sports Medicine

Abstract

Survey study of training and practice paradigms and job satisfaction of dual-boarded emergency medicine (EM) and sports medicine (SM) physicians. The REDCap survey was sent to 193 American Board of EM members who hold a Certificate of Added Qualification in SM. A total of 124 EM/SM physicians responded (67.5% male). More than 70% completed three-year residencies while only 28.5% had an EM/SM residency faculty. One-quarter delayed fellowship after residency 6.45 years on average. Regarding their first job after fellowship, 27.6% practiced only EM, 54.5% practiced both EM and SM, and 12.2% practiced only SM. Regarding their current job, 29.1% practice only EM. 47.3% practice both EM and SM, and 20.9% practice only SM. Only 13.9% and 9.9% indicated they are unhappy with their first job and current job, respectively. There is significant variability in practice settings for EM/SM physicians with the overwhelming majority being happy with their career choices.