The Problems of Being a Ringside Physician:

I don't talk about boxing much, but this (lengthy) article gives a good look at a key part of boxing: the ringside physician. These men and women (mostly men) are a necessary part of the sport but the job is not overly attractive.

Being a ring doctor is not a ticket to wealth. * * * Payment in Nevada is keyed to fight-night responsibilities and the magnitude of the fight. The lead doctor on a big fight in Nevada gets $750 and the number-two doctor receives $650. Doctors who work in back in the dressing rooms get less.

In addition to the low pay, ringside physicians face a number of potential legal problems because of the violent nature of the sport and the quick judgment calls that must be made. The issue of medical malpractice insurance is dicey for every ringside physician.

In some jurisdictions, ring doctors work fights as an agent of the state and are covered by the state athletic commission. But in other jurisdictions, the doctors are present on fight night as private physicians and are thus vulnerable. Some doctors are affiliated with hospitals that incorporate ring duties into their insurance policies. But other doctors have no such protection, and more and more individual medical malpractice insurance policies are specifically excluding coverage for sports supervision.

To protect themselves and their rights, a group of ringside physicians has formed the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (AAPRP) and is seeking a voice in the sport. The full article talks more about the issues facing the group, both legal and economic in nature.

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