According to the American Academy of Physical medicine and rehabilitation PM & R physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM & R), and focuses on Brain Injury Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine etc. Sports medicine physicians on the other hand are medical doctors who have specialized in Sports and Exercise Medicine with MCI recognized qualification, namely MD Sports Medicine or PG Diploma in Sports Medicine.

Sports Medicine Physicians have also received additional training in the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports and exercise medicine. Some of these include:

• Injury prevention
• Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and other head injuries
• Athletes with acute or chronic illness (such as hypertension, asthma, type 1 diabetes)
• Sports cardiology
• Exercise physiology
• Sports pharmacology and Anti-doping measures
• Nutrition, supplements and ergogenic aids
• Exercise prescription for individuals who want to improve their fitness
• Accelerated "Return to play" management for the  injured athlete
• Healthy lifestyle promotion at the individual and community level.
• Recommendations on safe and performance enhancing strength training and conditioning exercises
• Athletic development in children

Most Sports Medicine physicians also serve as Team Physicians for local and/or national teams and clubs. These physicians work with the players with the following responsibilities:

• Pre-participation medical examination
• Assessment and management of injuries
• Care of sports-related and general medical needs of athletes
• Anti-doping education and measures
• Psychological and mental health of athletes
• Focusing on illness & injury prevention
• Coordinating treatment with other members of the sports medicine team to include physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and other medical and surgical specialties.
• Acting as the coordinator with physios, athletic trainers, coaches, school and college administration, as well as athletes and their families.