Primary care sports medicine: a full-timer's perspective

This article describes the history and structure of the Sports Medicine Center of Akron, Ohio, which was established in 1983 with a family physician as its medical director. The author discusses the direct and indirect patient care services offered and the types of injury seen at the center. He also outlines the opportunities and potential for primary care physicians who wish to enter the field of sports medicine on a full-time basis, particularly in the capacity of medical director of a center like the one described. Advantages, disadvantages, and pitfalls of such a career change are presented, along with steps to take in preparation for pursuing such an endeavor.