What is sports medicine? Medical students don't know

Advances in Regenerative Sports Medicine Research

Regenerative sports medicine aims to address sports and aging-related conditions in the locomotor system using techniques that induce tissue regeneration. It also involves the treatment of meniscus and ligament injuries in the knee, Achilles’ tendon ruptures, rotator cuff tears, and cartilage and bone defects in various joints, as well as the regeneration of tendon–bone and cartilage–bone interfaces. There has been considerable progress in this field in recent years, resulting in promising steps toward the development of improved treatments as well as the identification of conundrums that require further targeted research. In this review the regeneration techniques currently considered optimal for each area of regenerative sports medicine have been reviewed and the time required for feasible clinical translation has been assessed. This review also provides insights into the direction of future efforts to minimize the gap between basic research and clinical applications.

Embedding sports and exercise medicine into the medical curriculum; a call for inclusion

The UK is currently facing an inactivity crises, with 1 in 5 children currently meeting physical activity guidelines (Health Survey for England, Children's Health, 2016). To combat this growing problem there has been increased interest in promoting exercise and healthy lifestyle advise to patients as a method for improving public health. In line with this, the specialty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) has been gaining momentum and is now a recognised specialty with a higher specialist training programme. This postgraduate speciality aims to produce doctors who are experts in exercise and musculoskeletal medicine. Increasing numbers of NHS departments are employing SEM doctors to better manage musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and prescribe exercise (Morrissey et. al, Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 3:190-195, 2013). In keeping with this increased opportunity for SEM in postgraduate training, we believe that we should not forget that SEM should not be exclusive to postgraduates and there is increasing interest and need for teaching to medical students (Cullen et al, Br J Sports Med 34:244-245, 2000). This article provides an overview to students and clinicians into the current state of undergraduate SEM education in the UK, and highlights the importance of incorporating SEM into the medical curricula.

The intercalated BSc in sports and exercise medicine at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

OBJECT

To report about the intercalated Bsc(Hons) in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (BLSMD), Queen Mary University of London.

DESIGN

Educational study.

SETTING

The course is currently in its tenth year, providing medical students with the opportunity to develop knowledge in the field of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) during one academic year of full time study.

PARTICIPANTS

There have been more than 150 graduates, and 22 students are enrolled for the 2012-13 academic year on what has been the most popular and largest intercalated degree at BLSMD in recent years. External applicants typically make up 30-40% of entrants.

RESULTS

Equal weighting on taught modules and a portfolio of research activity provides a strong foundation in Sports and Exercise Medicine, and equips successful students with evidence based translational skills, and the opportunity to perform publishable research.

CONCLUSION

This article outlines the increasing demand for Sports and Exercise Medicine education, and how the course prepares graduates for practising SEM as a sub-specialist interest or to compete for entry into the Specialist Trainee training route.