What criteria should you have when considering a sports physician? Dr. Stephen M. Pribut, one of the best in the business, gives these guidelines for the serious runner:

	Word of mouth. Choose a doctor who has had experience in treating athletes. Forget the telephone book and talk to other runners. Consult your area running clubs, or even a quality running shoe stores for advice.
	Experience with runners. Dr. Pribut recommends choosing a physician who has experience treating runners, but says it's not necessary the doctor be a runner: "This makes as much sense as seeking an oncologist to evaluate and treat your cancer based on his own personal history of cancer," he says. "While the doctor being an athlete may add to his understanding of both the psyche and the physical conditions that lead to injury, it is not a prerequisite to being capable of appropriately treating your problem."
	Recommendations over certifications. Dr. Pribut discounts the importance of board certification, saying "there are no organizations that currently render a board certified status to any physician or podiatric physician." The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, however, do test and grant fellowships to physicians, but Dr. Pribut says nothing beats runners' recommendations based on personal experience.

If you are new to an area and don't know any other runners for recommendations, contact the American Running Association, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, or the American College of Sports Medicine for a recommendation.