Harvard University is home to the largest intercollegiate athletic department in the country, with 42 varsity sports and approximately 1,200 student-athletes. Harvard has long valued the lessons taught by athletic participation: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork; ethical and responsible behavior on and off the field; adherence to both the spirit and letter of the rules; leadership and strength of character; and the ability to accept victory with humility and defeat with grace. Harvard Athletics also believes in building community through the engagement of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, creating an environment in which neighboring communities can share in the Harvard experience.
The Head Team Physician for Harvard Athletics serves as part of the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) clinical staff and provides medical leadership and oversight for the care of Harvard’s varsity student-athletes. The role includes oversight of team physicians, coordination with athletic trainers, provision of sideline and event coverage for higher-risk sports, and collaboration with HUHS clinicians and athletic leadership to ensure the highest standards of sports medicine care.
The ideal candidate will be a sports medicine fellowship trained, and board certified in Family Medicine, Primary Care, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine.
The majority of the position will focus on responsibilities as Head Team Physician. The exact time commitment and scope will be defined based on the candidate’s background, specialty, and departmental needs.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Head Team Physician
- Provides culturally sensitive, patient-centered care to a diverse population of student-athletes.
- Serves as the medical leader for Harvard Athletics, overseeing the delivery of care to varsity student-athletes and coordinating with a multidisciplinary team that includes athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports dietitians, chiropractors, mental health clinicians, and orthopedic surgeons.
- Provides on-site medical care and sideline event coverage for intercollegiate competitions, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and postseason NCAA or Ivy League events.
- Holds regular clinical sessions at the Dillon Field House (DFH), partnering closely with the Department of Medicine at HUHS.
- Meets weekly with the Head Athletic Trainer/Associate Athletic Director for Student Health and Wellness to ensure coordination of care, communication, and operational alignment.
- Provides clinical supervision and guidance to athletic training staff and collaborates closely with the Orthopedics Department for patient care, team coverage, and specialty referrals.
- Communicates effectively with teams, coaches, athletic trainers, parents, and University leadership on matters including concussion management, hospital follow-up, and public health or infectious disease concerns.
- Manages all varsity athlete concussion cases (typically 50–80 per year), including diagnosis, monitoring, and return-to-play determinations in accordance with Ivy League and NCAA protocols.
- Determines medical eligibility and return-to-play status for student-athletes, integrating multiple clinical opinions and relevant medical factors.
- Develops, implements, and updates sports medicine policies and procedures in alignment with best practices and institutional standards.
- Organizes and oversees pre-participation physical examinations for all varsity student-athletes, coordinating with athletic training staff, MGH Cardiology, HUHS physicians, and nursing staff.
- Leads or contributes to research initiatives in sports medicine, including protocol development, IRB submissions, and ongoing review processes.
- Precepts trainees including PM&R fellows, orthopedic fellows, primary care residents, and Harvard Sports Medicine athletic training fellows as part of the program’s educational mission.
- Participates in HUHS committees and work groups as needed, contributing to broader clinical and operational goals.
- Assists with the recruitment and onboarding of orthopedists and other affiliated physicians, including candidate outreach, application review, and interviews.
- Represents Harvard Athletics and HUHS at Ivy League Sports Medicine Group meetings and national professional sports medicine conferences.
Position Structure and Clinical Role
Candidates trained in Primary Care may provide clinical services within the HUHS Primary Care Department, while those trained in Emergency Medicine may have responsibilities within the Urgent Care Department. If the selected physician maintains an affiliation with a local hospital, that arrangement may be evaluated and incorporated as appropriate.
Compliance
- Adheres to all departmental expectations, standards, and professional responsibilities.
- Complies with HUHS and Harvard University policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
- Completes all required HUHS and University training programs, including HIPAA Privacy and Security and other mandated compliance trainings.
- Promptly reports any concerns or incidents of non-compliance to the appropriate supervisor, manager, or Compliance Officer.
Contributes to Team Function and the HUHS Mission
- Actively participates in team and committee efforts to identify opportunities and implement improvements in the quality of care and patient experience.
- Demonstrates ongoing commitment to meeting patient needs and supporting fellow clinicians in providing comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care.
- Collaborates closely with the HUHS Patient Advocate, Chief of Medicine, and other clinical leaders to address and resolve patient concerns in a timely and satisfactory manner.
- Promotes a positive image of HUHS through professionalism, integrity, and empathy in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and the broader Harvard community.
- Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality for all patient and departmental information, in full compliance with HUHS confidentiality and electronic communication policies.
Working Conditions:
Must be able to work and travel evenings, weekends, and holidays.