Choosing a major that lends itself to sports medicine is the first step. While some colleges offer degrees in sports medicine, many only provide degrees in related fields, like pre-med, biology or physical therapy. Degree requirements at each university vary, but you will probably have to enroll in about ten to fifteen courses across the sciences. For example, Marietta College's major in Sports Medicine requires students to finish 74 semester hours, including 46 of them in sports medicine, 11 in biology and three in statistics.
In addition to degree coursework, you should supplement courses in specialized areas that are invaluable to a sports doctor. Sports medical professionals should have a deep knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation, respiration, radiology and surgeries related to orthopedic and joint repair. If you can take courses in these areas at your own university, or at another university, you can grow an awareness of the skills and technology required by the profession.
In college, prospective sports doctors can also try to gain practical knowledge. Often, you can work in some capacity as an aid or volunteer trainer with the sports department, in order to acquire hands-on experience with athletes. Summer internships with professional, college or high school programs or with the medical practices of sports doctors can also boost your resume and build on your experience.