Sports Medicine Physician
Listed compensation
$173k-$250k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Working Title: Sports Medicine Physician
Classification: Physician - Specialty Services
Posting Details
Priority Application Date (Open Until Filled): Sunday, March 29, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT
Hiring Preference
Not Applicable
Position Summary
The Sports Medicine Physician provides comprehensive medical care to Sacramento State student-athletes in accordance with NCAA regulations, California state law, CSU policies, and SHCWS clinical standards. The incumbent is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and medical management of sports-related injuries and all medical conditions within the scope of sports medicine and primary care practice.
The Sports Medicine Physician is responsible for ensuring that all medical services provided to student-athletes are delivered in full compliance with NCAA Division I health and safety regulations, institutional risk management standards, CSU policies, and SHCWS policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
The Sports Medicine Physician serves as a key clinical leader, consultant, and mentor within an interdisciplinary team that includes athletic trainers, primary care providers, mental health clinicians, and campus leadership.
FLSA: Exempt (not eligible for overtime compensation)
Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,419.00 per month - $20,834 per month. Final salary determination will be based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.
CSU Classification Salary Range: $14,419.00 per month - $28,062.00 per month
Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more
CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more
Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)
Time Base: Full-Time
Work Hours: TBD at time of hire
Department Information
The Sports Medicine Physician provides comprehensive medical care to students and student-athletes, including diagnosis, treatment, and injury prevention.
This position collaborates closely with healthcare professionals within SHCWS, athletic trainers, coaches, to support the well-being of students, and student-athletes and ensure compliance with NCAA and university policies. Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services (SHCWS) embraces a holistic and collaborative approach to healthcare by offering urgent care, primary care, preventative services, wellness education, violence support services, and mental health, services to the Sacramento State campus community.
SHCS is committed to providing quality care and service delivery and is accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of and the ability to effectively and efficiently apply the principles and methods essential to the diagnosis and treatment of medical and/or mental health disorders within the scope of the assigned specialty; understanding of community resources for referral of medical and/or mental health care and treatment in the specialty beyond the scope of the Student Health Center or Counseling Services practice.
Knowledge of local, state, and national laws and regulations pertaining to the medical field and the assigned specialty.
Thorough knowledge of applicable professional ethics standards and patient privacy; ability to serve as a mentor and resource consultant for other health center or Counseling Services personnel; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of medical practitioners and specialists, as well as students, administrators, staff and faculty.
Experience and Education
Graduation from a medical school and completion of one or more residency programs and/or fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or equivalent in a specialty appropriate to their assigned specialty duties.
License and Certification Requirements
Physicians - Specialty Services Must Possess and Maintain
- A valid license to practice medicine in the State of California.
- Current board certification in an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) specialty or subspecialty appropriate for their assigned specialty duties.
- A valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration and number for prescribing controlled substances.
- Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) certification as appropriate for the assigned duties.
Required Qualifications
Certification
1. Board-certification in American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Primary Care specialty or Board certification in other ABMS specialty with appropriate primary care training/experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
2. Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to effectively apply, the principles and methods essential to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and illnesses, including musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and non-operative surgical care; acute and overuse injuries; concussion management; fracture care; joint instability; ligamentous injury; and medical conditions commonly encountered in intercollegiate athletics.
3. Knowledge of current medical advances in sports medicine and general medicine, including evidence-based injury prevention strategies, performance optimization, concussion protocols, heat illness prevention, and emerging standards in athlete health education and risk reduction.
4. Thorough knowledge of community resources and referral networks for sports medicine, general medicine, orthopedic surgery, behavioral health, nutrition, physical therapy, imaging services, and specialty consultation beyond the scope of SHCWS practice.
5. Thorough knowledge of local, state, and national laws and regulations pertaining to medical practice, including NCAA health and safety regulations, California medical practice standards, and treatment considerations for mental health conditions affecting student-athletes.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of conditions and disorders associated with sports medicine and collegiate athletics, including but not limited to:
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
- Female Athlete Triad and menstrual cycle irregularities
- Eating disorders and disordered eating patterns
- Body image concerns and performance-related psychological stress
- Overtraining syndrome
- Substance use and performance-enhancing drug considerations
- Anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders in student-athletes
7. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and coordinate interdisciplinary care for these conditions in collaboration with athletic training, medical services, nutrition services, and counseling services.
8. Current competency to assess, diagnose, and treat college-aged patients, including NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletes requiring urgent or emergent care, consistent with recognized standards of sports medicine, general medical care, and NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook best practices.
Ability to make independent return-to-play and medical clearance decisions grounded in clinical evidence and athlete safety.
9. Knowledge and understanding of current recognized standards of care within the scope of licensure, including concussion management protocols, cardiac screening considerations, heat acclimatization guidelines, emergency action planning, and pre-participation evaluation standards.
10. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA (as applicable), NCAA confidentiality standards, and institutional policy.
11. Excellent computer skills and proficiency in electronic health record systems and clinical documentation platforms. Ability to accurately document, maintain, and safeguard medical records in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
12. Ability to serve as a mentor and clinical resource consultant for athletic training staff, primary care providers, medical assistants, and other SHCWS personnel, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including physicians, surgeons, behavioral health providers, athletic trainers, coaches, student-athletes, administrators, faculty, local hospitals, emergency services, and public mental health agencies.
14. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in working with young adult populations, including the ability to provide clear education regarding injury prevention, treatment plans, medication management, and return-to-play expectations.
15. Demonstrated ability to provide culturally responsive, inclusive, and student-centered care to a diverse NCAA Division I student-athlete population consistent with SHCWS values and university commitment to equity and access.
Work Requirements
1. Willingness to travel and attend off-site athletic events, competitions, and required professional development programs as necessary to support team participation and maintain clinical competency.
2. Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back situations, to support athletic events and urgent student-athlete medical needs.
Conditions of Employment
- Ability to complete the background check process, LiveScan,
Key Responsibilities
The Sports Medicine Physician will provide comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, to Sacramento State student-athletes while ensuring full compliance with NCAA regulations and institutional policies. This role involves serving as a key clinical leader and consultant within an interdisciplinary team of athletic trainers, primary care providers, and mental health clinicians.
Requirements
Candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed appropriate residency/fellowship training, holding a valid California medical license, current board certification, and DEA registration. Required qualifications include thorough knowledge of sports medicine principles, NCAA regulations, and the ability to manage complex conditions common in collegiate athletics.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Certifications
Key Skills
Sports Medicine — Physician Career Context
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$173k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $156k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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