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How a sports medicine physician can use AI, task by task

O*NET 29-1229.06: Sports Medicine PhysiciansMedian pay $265,930/year (BLS, May 2025)27 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Athletic Team Physician, MD (Medical Doctor), Nonsurgical Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Orthopedic Team Physician, Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician, Physician, Sports Medicine Medical Doctor (Sports Medicine MD), Sports Medicine Primary Care Physician, Sports Medicine Specialist, Team Physician.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 2%AI-assist 17%Stays human 81%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 5 AI-assist and 21 human-led tasks out of 27. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.Write it up · Several times a day
  2. Record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records.Write it up · Several times a day
  3. Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.Stay sharp · Monthly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.Make the call · Hourly or more
  2. Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.Make the call · Several times a day
  3. Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.Make the call · Several times a day

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.

A few times a year

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Site: [facility, building]
Emergencies: [fire, spill, medical, weather]

Draft response procedures and a drill plan. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Emergency procedures

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices.
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Emergencies] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop emergency procedures..

AI can help you prep these 5

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.

Several times a day

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.

Context: We use Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks EHR software.
Specialty: [chiropractic, dental, general]
What to capture: [conditions, meds, allergies, history]

Draft a medical history template with prompts. No patient data. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: History-taking template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you record athletes' medical histories.
Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [What to capture] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories.. Also involves: Examine patients to assess general physical condition..

Record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records.

Several times a day

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records.

Context: We use Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks EHR software.
Specialty: [chiropractic, dental, general]
What to capture: [conditions, meds, allergies, history]

Draft a medical history template with prompts. No patient data. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: History-taking template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you record athletes' medical care information. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [What to capture] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories..

Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.

Monthly

AI explains and quizzes you; confirm against official sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI can explain new developments and quiz you. Confirm what you learn against official sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Specialty: [describe]
Topic: [guideline, technique]

Summarize recent evidence, quiz me, and list guidelines to read. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Clinical update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in continuing education activities.
Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain medical or professional knowledge..

Develop and prescribe exercise programs, such as off-season conditioning regimens.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to develop and prescribe exercise programs, such as off-season conditioning regimens.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Participant type: [no names, fitness level, goals]
Constraints: [time, equipment, conditions]

Design a 4-week program with progression and safety notes. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Exercise program

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop and prescribe exercise programs.
Step 2Fill in [Participant type] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop exercise or conditioning programs.. Also involves: Prescribe treatments or therapies..

Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise.

Context: We use 3D motion analysis software and Epic Systems; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [condition, treatment, question]
My goal: [study design, teaching, clinical update]

Summarize current evidence, key trials, open questions, and search terms for PubMed. Mark anything uncertain. I will verify every source.

10-minute exercise: Medical research brief

Step 1Pick a topic you need to get current on.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [My goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up the key trials it names. Don't use any you can't find. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues..

These stay human 21

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Consequence of an error: very serious

Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Hourly or more

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Presentation: [symptoms, signs, no patient details]
Results: [tests]

List a differential with what supports or argues against each, and next tests. I make the diagnosis.

10-minute exercise: Differential diagnosis check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system (today).
Step 2Fill in [Presentation] and [Results] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Decide yourself and note anything you'd overlooked.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Diagnose medical conditions.. Also involves: Treat chronic diseases or disorders..

Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Presentation: [general, no patient details]
Question: [what to rule in or out]

List tests that could help, what each tells you, and costs or risks. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Test ordering prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic.
Step 2Fill in [Presentation] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.. Also involves: Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment..

Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Situation: [general, no patient details]
Options: [specialists, services]

List red flags and criteria for referral, and what to include in the referral. I decide.

10-minute exercise: Referral decision prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you refer athletes.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources..

Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.

Several times a day

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress]
Who: [patient, participant; no personal details]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Wellness advice conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide education.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check advice against current guidelines and stay within your scope. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers..

Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Indication: [general]
Options: [drugs]

List considerations, interactions and dosing to verify. I prescribe. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Prescribing check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prescribe medications.
Step 2Fill in [Indication] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prescribe medications..

Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Condition: [describe]
Goals: [management]

Prepare patient education and follow-up plan. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Chronic condition support

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions (today).
Step 2Fill in [Condition] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Treat chronic diseases or disorders.. Also involves: Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals..

Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise against injured athletes returning to games (today).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use.. Also involves: Advise others on healthcare matters..

Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Exam type: [general, musculoskeletal, pre-participation]
Patient group: [general description]

Make an exam sequence, plain-language explanations, and red flags. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Physical exam prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have (today).
Step 2Fill in [Exam type] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the explanations with your next patient. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine patients to assess general physical condition.. Also involves: Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.; Treat chronic diseases or disorders..

Coordinate sports care activities with other experts, including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to coordinate sports care activities with other experts, including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Case: [general, no identifiers]
Question: [what you need from colleagues]

Prepare a summary, the question and options. Then play the colleague. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Interdisciplinary consult prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate sports care activities (today).
Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment..

Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inform athletes about nutrition, hydration and dietary supplements (today).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use..

Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.

Daily

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Assessment: [suicide risk, functional status, capability]
Setting: [clinic, inpatient]

List validated tools, key questions, warning signs and documentation points. I make the clinical judgment. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Risk or function assessment prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe and evaluate athletes' mental (today).
Step 2Fill in [Assessment] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every tool against your clinical guidance.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health..

Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise athletes, trainers and coaches (today).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use..

Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Supervisees: [interns, counselors]
Case themes: [describe, no client details]

Plan a supervision session: reflective questions, feedback and goals. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Clinical supervision

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes (today).
Step 2Fill in [Supervisees] and [Case themes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise workers providing client or patient services.. Also involves: Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments..

Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Procedure or result: [describe generally, no patient details]
Who: [patient, family]

Prepare a calm explanation, risks in plain words, and answers to likely fears. Then play the patient.

10-minute exercise: Explain a procedure or result

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inform coaches and trainers (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Procedure or result] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check facts with the treating clinician first.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members..

Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.

Daily

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Need: [mobility, orthotic]
Options: [devices]

Compare options and criteria. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Device prescription prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prescribe orthotics, prosthetics and adaptive equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments..

Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques, and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques, and alert them to potentially dangerous practices.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise coaches, trainers and physical therapists (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use..

Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Exam type: [general, musculoskeletal, pre-participation]
Patient group: [general description]

Make an exam sequence, plain-language explanations, and red flags. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Physical exam prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine and evaluate athletes prior (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Exam type] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the explanations with your next patient. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine patients to assess general physical condition.. Also involves: Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health..

Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend games and competitions.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use.. Also involves: Advise others on healthcare matters..

Advise athletes on ways that substances, such as herbal remedies, could affect drug testing results.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to advise athletes on ways that substances, such as herbal remedies, could affect drug testing results.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Treatment: [general, no patient details]
Who: [patient]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Treatment and side-effect conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise athletes.
Step 2Fill in [Treatment] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check with prescribing information and your clinical guidelines.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments..

Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.

A few times a year

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Session or task: [therapy, sampling]
Equipment: [list]

List prep and calibration steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Equipment and supply prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select and prepare medical equipment or medications.
Step 2Fill in [Session or task] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.. Also involves: Select medical equipment for addressing patient needs.; Prepare medications or medical solutions..

Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [training, nutrition, equipment]
Who: [athletes, coaches]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Athlete advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide coaches and therapists.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise athletes, coaches, or trainers on exercise regimens, nutrition, or equipment use..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Monitoringimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Emergency Medicine Physicians81% human-led · Same preparation · $335,550/yr · usually post-doctoral trainingYour skills already line up
  • Obstetricians and Gynecologists85% human-led · Same preparation · $292,910/yr · usually post-doctoral trainingSkills to build: Science
  • Athletic Trainers63% human-led · Same preparation · $62,520/yr · usually master's degreeYour skills already line up

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 2 new or updated tasks here: 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Perform diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures by using ultrasound guidance to identify conditions and conduct interventions, such as musculoskeletal injections.

New in O*NET

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to perform diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures by using ultrasound guidance to identify conditions and conduct interventions, such as musculoskeletal injections.

Context: We use Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Without any patient details, help me with this: [musculoskeletal injections]

(1) Write a plain-language explanation of it for a nervous patient, (2) make a step-by-step checklist I can compare with my training and protocols, and (3) list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Prep: diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures

Step 1Pick the next time you'll perform diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal procedures.
Step 2Put just the procedure in the brackets (no patient details) and compare the checklist with your protocol line by line.
Step 3Use the plain-language explanation with the next patient, and keep the escalation signs where you can see them.

New O*NET task (08/2026). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Teach and supervise medical students and physicians in training.

New in O*NET

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a sports medicine physician. Part of my job is to teach and supervise medical students and physicians in training.

Context: We use Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and therapy and counseling.
Topic: [concept]
Students: [level]

Plan a lecture with demonstrations, problems and misconceptions to address. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Science class session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach and supervise medical students and physicians. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Students] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

New O*NET task (08/2026). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Teach physics to students.” (Physicists), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.. Also involves: Teach physical education.; Train medical providers..

Getting into this job

Doctoral degree is most common (51% of workers)

  • Graduate degree 100%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years
  • Professional certification: important (4.8/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

eClinicalWorks EHR softwareEpic SystemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word