Exeter holds inaugural Sports Medicine Conference

The event, held at the Chiefs’ home stadium of Sandy Park, will combine world-class research from the University with the expertise of the National premiership champions to improve our understanding of how to maximise impact on the pitch.

Professor Jean McEwan, Vice Dean of Education at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “This exciting conference is a first for Exeter, and will bring together our world-leading research, the expertise of Exeter Chiefs and national and international authorities on sports medicine. This conference will share knowledge that will make a real impact in sporting arenas, addressing safety, rehabilitation and performance and it confirms Exeter’s position as a centre of excellence in this field.”

The international conference will be led by an elite group of speakers from across the field, including rugby managers and players, physiotherapists, physicians, and surgeons. The line-up includes four keynote speakers from various fields.

Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby for the Exeter Chiefs will host a Q&A session on the management and challenges of coaching a successful premiership rugby team, and creating a winning culture.

Among others bringing their expertise to the conference is Dr Simon Kemp, Medical Services Director at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), who will give a talk entitled “Concussion: It’s becoming a headache”, where he will discuss managing concussion risk, and summarise current and future challenges.

Prav Mathema, National Medical Manager for the Welsh Rugby Union, will discuss the challenges of a British and Irish Lions tour, including delivering elite travelling sports medicine service, and managing sports injury under high-pressured environments.

Dr Michael Papadakis, Senior Lecturer in Cardiology and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, St George's University Hospital / Chair of the European Section of Sports Cardiology of the European Association of Preventative Cardiology (EAPC) will deliver a talk on “The Athletic Heart”, discussing the adaptations of regular exercise on the heart.

The conference will be held on 9^th and 10^th May and is expecting a multi-professional audience from across the UK, including doctors, allied health professionals, coaches, academics and students.

For more information and bookings, please visit the website. You can keep up with the event and join the conversation by using #ExeterSportsMedicine on Twitter.