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completed an athletic training program or received some training in emergency medicine. A residency combines classroom work with more clinical practice. A fellowship does the same, but in an even more intense way, and might focus on just one part of the body, such as the hand or spine. Sports Doctor/Surgeon

A physical therapist might use weight machines or other devices to help their patients heal properly.

The path to becoming a team doctor or surgeon is the longest of any of the sports medicine professions. In college, students usually take a pre-med curriculum, which focuses on the sciences. The next step is to get into a four-year medical school, which is competitive. In 2013, more than 690,000 students competed for just over 20,000 slots at U.S. medical schools. Excellent undergraduate grades are crucial for getting into med school.

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