Part of the team

Physicians play a pivotal role in assessing students' fitness for athletics and other extracurricular activities and in helping Texas schools adopt effective health policies. Whether they're on the sidelines at sports events, attending school health advisory council meetings, or examining patients in clinic, physicians can dramatically affect student health and well-being. Texas Medical Association policy on physician examinations for young athletes takes into account that these exams provide an entry point into health care for young Texans who may not have regular access to a primary care physician. The policy outlines TMA's support of student involvement in sports and other physical activities and eliminating barriers that prevent students from participating. TMA supports changes in the Texas Education Code to require that only licensed physicians or appropriately supervised physician assistants or advanced practice nurses licensed in Texas conduct athletic preparticipation physical examinations for school-age children.