Focus on subspecialty certification: Sports medicine
By Per Gunnar Brolinson, DO
Osteopathic sports medicine combines the holistic approach of osteopathic medicine with the focus on sports-related injuries and conditions. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body and uses a hands-on approach, including osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), to diagnose and treat patients, particularly athletes and those active in sports.
Osteopathic primary care sports medicine physicians take a comprehensive approach, viewing the body, considering how different systems interact and how injuries in one area can affect others. Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a key component, using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat conditions, including those related to sports injuries. DOs have specialized training in the musculoskeletal system, allowing them to effectively diagnose and treat injuries like sprains, strains and joint problems. These physicians are trained to provide comprehensive care, including injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as addressing general health concerns. They treat athletes of all levels, from professional athletes to weekend warriors, and often work with children and youth sports programs.
Team physicians are not only responsible for the well-being of the athletes they care for, but must also interface with parents, coaches, administrators and, at the professional level, team owners. It is imperative that all involved in the care team realize that no matter the level of sports participation (youth, high school, collegiate), athletes expect and require the same emergent quality and intensity of care as that provided at the professional level. Ultimately, the care team is led by the sports medicine physician with input from athletic trainers, physical therapists and orthopedic consultants. [1]
In essence, osteopathic primary care sports medicine offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to sports-related injuries and health concerns, utilizing both traditional medical methods and the unique perspective of osteopathic medicine.
Formed in 1976, the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) is the oldest primary care-based sports medicine specialty. The founders realized that, although several physician organizations support sports medicine, none were dedicated specifically to osteopathic sports medicine physicians. They created the AOASM to champion the health, well-being and safety of athletes and physically active people.
Its founding principles promote a holistic, comprehensive approach to the prevention, diagnosis and management of sport and exercise-related injuries, disorders, dysfunctions and disease processes. The AOASM exists to provide an educational forum for physicians and health care professionals on topics relating to the health of individuals in competitive, recreational, occupational and industrial settings. It creates and disseminates guidelines and health care policies related to wellness, physical activities and sporting events, and promotes opportunities to enhance content knowledge and clinical skills in primary care sports medicine. [2] The first osteopathic sports medicine certification exam was administered in 1992. In May 2025, the AOASM hosted its 40th Annual Clinical Conference in Asheville, North Carolina.
Sports medicine certification
The purpose of the American Osteopathic Sports Medicine Examination and Certification Program is to assess the target population of qualified candidates to determine if they are proficient in the body of knowledge, skills and judgments needed in order to practice as a qualified specialist in osteopathic sports medicine.
Requirements to become AOA-board certified in sports medicine
- Residents who are training in programs that are part of the Osteopathic Primary Care Sports Medicine Conjoint Board are strongly encouraged to achieve osteopathic certification in their respective specialties to facilitate sitting for the Primary Care Osteopathic Sports Medicine Examination.
- Hold an AOA-issued primary board certification or apply through the reciprocity process managed by the AOA Certification Manager.
- Hold a valid, active license to practice medicine in one of the 50 states, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or Canada.
- Conform to the ethical and moral standards of the AOA Code of Ethics.
- Successfully complete a one-year ACGME-approved fellowship in Sports Medicine. Sports medicine fellows can take the exam once they’ve completed at least nine months of their fellowship program if their program director writes a letter of recommendation saying they’re prepared; however, fellows typically take the exam following the completion of their fellowship. There is a six-year eligibility window to take the Sports Medicine Exam following the completion of fellowship training.
- Ask your program to send your training information directly to the AOA at [email protected]. A template is available from the AOA Postdoctoral Education department, but your program may send the information in any format. Please include:
- Program name and ACGME ID
- Applicant’s name
- Applicant’s AOA number
- Applicant’s training dates
- Anticipated end date of training or final end date if graduated
- Apply to sit for the Sports Medicine subspecialty certification exam. The exam is offered once per year, generally in early July; this year it will be held on July 11-12, 2025. Applications open six months prior to the exam administration date.
The certification exam
The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and lasts approximately three hours, with results available within approximately eight weeks. All exams are computer-based and proctored remotely, with no travel required. You may take the exam from your home or a convenient location of your choosing. It is not advised to take the exam in a hospital setting due to firewalls that may prevent access.
The Sports Medicine Written Exam evaluates candidates’ understanding of the scientific basis of the problems involved in sports medicine; familiarity with current advances in sports medicine; and possession of sound judgement and a high degree and skill in the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involved in the practice of sports medicine.
Certification content distribution includes questions on basic science, diagnostics, injury management and prevention, treatment and medical issues. management and prevention, treatment and medical issues.
Maintaining certification
To maintain your Osteopathic Continuous Certification, you must maintain your unrestricted license to practice medicine in a US state or territory or Canada, adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics and complete any CME, Practice Performance Assessments (PPA) and Improvement requirements applicable to your primary board certification, which will also cover your Sports Medicine certification. In addition, in place of a recertification exam, you will participate in annual longitudinal cognitive assessments, starting one full year after receiving your certification. These assessments will consist of small batches of questions answered online.
References
- Leary, P.
- American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine