Ever wondered what its like to be a sports medicine doctor or what it takes? Dr. Jessica Huerta, a primary care sports medicine physician, shares the inside scoop in our latest Q & A.
What is your field?
Primary care sports medicine
How did you decide to go into your field?
I loved the idea of family medicine and seeing a variety of patients, ages and conditions, but I also loved musculoskeletal issues. So I am family medicine and sports medicine.
How many years did you study and train? Where did you go to school and train?
Four years of medical school, 3 years of Family Medicine residency in Dallas – Fort Worth and 1 year of Sports Medicine fellowship in Erie, PA
What are somethings you enjoy about your chosen field?
Ultrasound guided injections, talking with patients, explaining injuries and treatment plans.
What are somethings you wish were different about your chosen field? What are some of the challenges you face within your field?
Paperwork. The difference between primary care sports medicine and orthopedics. There is some gender bias.
What is your lifestyle like? What are your hours like? Do you take call?
I work from 8-5 Monday through Fridays and some after hours of covering an event. I don’t take call.
Is this a family friendly field? How does your work affect your family life? What adjustments if any did you have to make to achieve more work life balance? What advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field? Would you recommend your field to them?
Sports Medicine can be a family friendly field. It is a fun field and you can tailor it to the percentage mix you want between family medicine and sports medicine. I would recommend it.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your field?
Covering events you get to see the game from a different point of view. It helps you understand what the players, coaches, athletic trainers and other staff goes through and gives you a better appreciation of the game.
