Will AI Replace Sports Medicine Physicians?

Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

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

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.