Finally, take responsibility for coordinating the management of a given case throughout its course even if another consultant becomes involved. It goes without saying that physicians should avoid making comments to athletic trainers, athletes, parents, or coaches about the care provided by other physicians. Any such issues should be discussed directly with the physician. Those of us who work as team physicians enjoy the athletic milieu a great deal. But it is important to keep in mind that we are present because of a fundamental tension that exists between health and performance.
Medicine concerns itself with health.
Athletics concerns itself with performance. These two goals are often at odds. It is critical that the physician is seen, first and foremost, as one with a vested interest in the health of the athlete. The McGraw-Hill Companies.