As more and more allegations of sexual harassment and abuse become known, it's time for sports physicians to take stock of the ethical standards in our profession.
Nothing matters more in our work than our moral authority. We seem to live in a valueless society, one where accruing wealth is the major goal, without any higher purpose, mission, or vision. In sports, this turpitude takes many forms, including steroid abuse, cheating, and falsifying birth certificates for youth sports. Sports physicians must provide both reason and leadership in this arena.
Source: Stephen B. Morton/AP
Too many in our profession fall short of that calling. I'm thinking of those physicians who supplied performance-enhancing drugs to such star athletes as Mark McGwire and Lance Armstrong. I'm also thinking of Larry Nassar, MD, who has confessed to molesting young gymnasts. Some of the victims have complained that the sports establishment around Dr Nassar, including some involved with the Olympics, covered up for him, pressuring them to stay silent.
Challenges That Sports Physicians Face
It's hard being a doctor in the current environment of struggle and conflict. You have to be informed and nimble and work harder as reimbursements get lower. And because of the public attention focused on our patients, sports medicine specialists are under particular pressure.
