Pathway · Lateral move
Club Doctor to Head of Medical
How to move from Club Doctor to Head of Medical: what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Head of Medical
Required
This move needs the right qualification, licence or registration for the new role. Normally held by registered doctors or senior registered clinicians with long football experience.
1 to 3 yearstypical timeline
1new skills to build
2qualifications to consider
-11%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
Club Doctor
The medical lead responsible for player health, diagnosis, medication and emergencies.
Head of Medical
Leads the club medical department and sets health, injury and return-to-play policy.
Skills and knowledge to build
Experience and routes that help
The routes into your current role also work for this one. Focus on a wider scope of responsibility.
Qualifications to consider
Tools to learn
What the new role asks of you
- Lead doctors, physios and therapists
- Coordinate treatment with the coach and performance staff
- Advise the board on squad health and medical risk
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first: Injury Assessment & Rehabilitation.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.