At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our medical team to provide top-notch care for academy players and manage sports injuries.
- Company: Dynamic rugby club focused on excellence and player welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, part-time role, and the chance to work with elite athletes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives while developing your medical career.
- Qualifications: Specialist knowledge in sports and exercise medicine; experience in elite sport preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and working in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
This is an exciting role for an individual to be part of the medical team and contribute to the delivery of a best‑in‑class medical service that drives outstanding performance. The successful candidate will be responsible for the medical oversight of the Club’s academy (U18 and below) male players. They will liaise closely with the Lead Men’s Doctor and will also provide pitch side cover for the academy fixtures, including friendly matches.
The Details
- Fixed term contract commencing June 2026.
- Part time/flexible hours to fit around the Academy schedule (2 hours/week during Jan and Feb, 2 hours/month March - June and then 2 hours fortnightly September to December).
- Based at Surrey Sports Park with regular travel.
- Reports to the Lead Men’s Doctor and Head of Academy.
- Will require out of hours and weekend working.
The Key Responsibilities
- To work as part of a multi-disciplinary medical, coaching and sport‑science team in the prevention and management of sports related injury and illness.
- To provide advice to the players, medical team, coaches, sport scientists and international teams of a player’s fitness to attend training and fitness for selection for matches in relation to intercurrent illness or injury.
- To communicate effectively with players and external services (NHS or Private) to help ensure access to prompt and appropriate GP or specialist health care as needed.
- To diagnose and manage illness and injury amongst Men’s Academy squad and to provide an excellent standard of medical care liaising closely with the Academy Physiotherapist.
- To maintain professional standards including meeting with all League minimum operating standards (MOS) as well as the keeping of paper and electronic medical records in accordance with GMC regulations.
- To ensure safe provision of medical services in accordance with best practice and current GMC and CQC requirements.
- To liaise with the welfare group and sport psychologist to help deliver an appropriate level of care for the mental and emotional welfare of academy players.
- To provide pitch side care for home and away games including friendly fixtures.
- To regularly check and maintain appropriate equipment and medicines provided for the Men’s academy team by the Club and meeting League MOS.
- To be familiar with doping control practices and laws and the substances and methods that are prohibited in and out of competition, and to adhere to the rules.
- To refer players to NHS and private specialist services for advice on diagnosis and management of illness or injury as clinically appropriate.
- Delivery of education to staff and players on health‑related issues as appropriate (such as concussion recognition and management).
- Maintenance of relevant personal professional development plan and continuing professional development to an appropriate standard (PPDP and CPD); to be reviewed at least annually with the Lead team doctor.
- To be familiar with, and deliver the RFU guidance and regulations in the following regulated/guided areas of medical practice: Cardiac Health and Screening, Concussion Guidelines.
- To liaise with the Men’s Academy Physio and Lead team doctor in the undertaking of pre‑season assessments and new player medicals on all Men’s academy squad players.
- To possess a detailed understanding of and commitment to the highest levels of safeguarding to ensure the best and safest environment for everyone that comes into contact with Quins.
Essential
- Specialist knowledge in SEM practise at an elite level.
- Knowledge of the therapeutic options available to an SEM practitioner.
- Knowledge of the conditions that commonly affect men’s academy rugby players at different stages of physical and psychological development and training.
- The ability to recognise, diagnose, manage, explain and best prevent MSK conditions.
- A clear understanding of your duty of care to your patients and the ability to understand, consider and appropriately advise on the management of the risks inherent in competitive sport.
- IT competence in Club systems.
- Ability to assess acute on field injuries and to manage appropriately.
- Ability to assess MSK symptoms, elicit signs and take an appropriate history, reach a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan with input from other members of the MDT.
- Knowledge of the appropriate medicines to carry in a doctor’s bag and emergency bag, and of their governance in terms of legislation and regulations.
- Experience of work as matchday medical co‑ordinator in sport.
- Ability to deliver clinical assessment and interventions within the constraints of the sporting environment.
- A willingness to improve the service provided within your team.
- Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or adults at risk and uphold the highest level of practice when working with those participants.
- The ability to manage a friendly, cheerful, positive and open demeanour while maintaining a sufficient degree of professional distance.
- Independent practice in SEM environment.
- SEM work in elite sport at either senior or youth level.
- License to practice in the UK as an independent practitioner; (GMC specialist or GP register) with either a diploma or masters in SEM or MFSEM.
- PHCIS Level 3 qualification.
- Clean enhanced DBS check.
- Full Indemnity allowing the candidate to perform their role.
Desirable
- Generalist knowledge as a GP experienced in family practice.
- Ability to aspirate and inject large joints under ultrasound guidance and the knowledge of when and when not to consider such interventions.
- MSK ultrasound skills for examinations of muscles, tendons and joints.
- Experience of SEM work in elite rugby.
- RFU / World Rugby training modules on concussion management for elite matchday medical staff and concussion protocols for matchday medical staff.
- Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
- PGCert MSK Ultrasound or working towards the qualification.
The person we are looking for
- Ability to listen to and communicate with others in appropriate language at appropriate times, both verbally and written.
- Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a multi-disciplinary team in sport; supported by examples and references.
- Promote, adhere to and implement the Club’s Equality Policy and to work consistently to embed equality and diversity within the Club.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to send your CV and Cover letter to our team.
Lead Academy Doctor employer: Harlequins
Contact Detail:
Harlequins Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Academy Doctor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports medicine field, especially those connected to rugby. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events or matches. Volunteering as a medical professional at these events not only boosts your CV but also helps you make valuable connections in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you share insights on sports medicine, injury management, and player care. This can set you apart and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Academy Doctor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Academy Doctor role. Highlight your relevant experience in sports medicine and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our best-in-class medical service!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with multi-disciplinary teams, as collaboration is key for us.
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to highlight your specialist knowledge in SEM practice and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of working with academy players, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harlequins
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your specialist knowledge in SEM practice, especially as it relates to elite rugby. Be prepared to discuss common conditions affecting academy players and how you would manage them. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in a practical setting.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with players, coaches, and medical staff, as this will be crucial for success in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Care
Emphasise your understanding of duty of care and safeguarding practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the best environment for the players, both physically and mentally. This is key to showing that you prioritise player welfare above all else.
✨Be Ready for Real-Life Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, like assessing acute injuries or managing a concussion. Think through some scenarios beforehand and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making. This will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the role.