Guidelines for Physician Remuneration - The creation of these guidelines evolved from the concern expressed by Sport Medicine physicians that expert sport medicine services are expected to be provided on a voluntary basis.  Historically (prior to the creation of CASEM) physicians were retained by the various sport governing bodies to provide medical coverage for their athletes while training and competing.  Physicians were happy being part of a sport community that provided opportunities such as international travel and exposure to world-class athletes.  More recently Sport has become much more complex; the number of events requiring our services is more numerous, the diversity of international venues experienced and the lack of malpractice insurance liability due to high incomes of professional athletes . Teams are now made up of not only coaches, but exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sport psychologists, nutritionists and various therapists (AT, PT, RMT, DC).  In fact many “amateur” sports are not really amateur anymore; they require the specialized commitment only a Sport Medicine physician can provide. 

With the creation of CASEM. and the training of physicians to be experts in the field of Sport Medicine we began to see ourselves as resources with a specific value and specialized expertise Many physicians now feel that they should be paid to coordinate the complex care of today’s  athletes, especially when one considers the medico-legal risk associated currently with this care.

This is not to say that Sport Medicine physicians should not volunteer to look after amateur athletes or cover local events.  The long tradition of volunteerism should not be lost;   The purpose of these guidelines is to help the CASEM. members define the value of these services.  Additionally, use of these guidelines will help increase the sport communities’ awareness of the value of our expertise and care, thereby increasing the number of physician reimbursement opportunities.

How to Become A Sport Medicine Physician?

Anyone with an interest in becoming a Sport Medicine physician must first be a graduate of a recognized medical school. At this time, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons does not recognize Sport Medicine as a specialty. However, the CASEM Diploma in Sport Medicine serves to identify to the public and the profession physicians with particular skill and special expertise in the area of Sport Medicine. Physicians may further their education by taking electives in medical schools/residencies, post-graduate training or fellowships. Membership in the Academy provides another opportunity to share experiences with Sport Medicine experts and to receive the CASEM Diploma in Sport Medicine.

This internationally renowned clinical exam was introduced in 1989. The Diploma is recognized in many provincial and international jurisdictions as the requirement to practice sport medicine. The examination is a multi-stage OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation) administered annually through the Credentials Committee. A curriculum has been developed through the Education Committee to assist candidates in preparation for the exam. Physicians who possess the diploma in sport medicine can be identified by the nominal Dip. Sport Med. You can register on-line or by mail.