Explore firsthand experiences, practical insights, and expert tips from those who have already taken their Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) electives around the world.
Key words: Sports and exercise medicine, Electives, Undergraduate education
Introduction
Imagine trading your regular lecture hall for an international sports clinic, or shadowing top doctors at a Premier League academy. Whether you’re jetting off to Doha for cutting-edge sports medicine conferences or soaking in the sun while learning from elite athletes in Sydney, these electives offer a chance to gain hands-on experience, make global connections, and explore the field of sports medicine. Planning an elective can be overwhelming but this three part blog series offers first-hand insights and expert tips to help you make the most of your experience.
1. Australia; The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), The Stadium Clinic – Meg Ormond
I had the opportunity to spend my Elective in Australia, splitting my time between Canberra and Sydney. In Canberra, I stayed on site at the AIS where I encountered a variety of medical issues (from glandular fever to concussions). I also gained insight into the Institute’s holistic athlete care, working with the multidisciplinary team. In Sydney, I joined the Stadium Clinic, a premier SEM facility with supportive doctors, a particular highlight being part of the medical team at a Sydney Swans match.
Top tips:
- Email as many places and people as you can. Persistence is key, as not everyone will respond immediately.
- Ensure you have a CV to hand that highlights your SEM related experiences.
- Apply for research awards and bursaries early as they often have specific requirements and early deadlines.
- Ensure you have time to unwind and travel. I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks exploring the Australian east coast with a friend afterwards.
2. Remote; FIFA Medical Diploma in Football Medicine – Rosie Rudin
For my elective, I completed the FIFA Medical Diploma, a free evidence-based online course made up of 42 modules focusing on common football-related injuries and illnesses. Although football was the primary focus, the content was highly relevant to many sports. Each module offered key literature for critical analysis and covered all aspects of management. The course was highly visual, with expert videos, and included quizzes to reinforce learning.
Top tips:
- Find a supportive supervisor. Having a clinician willing to demonstrate practical elements with you can deepen your understanding and solidify knowledge.
- Enjoy the flexibility. With no fixed schedule, this elective is great for balancing other research projects or commitments and is a highly affordable option.
- Document your learning. Create a learning log or educational resource to strengthen your portfolio and share the experience on LinkedIn.
Link to diploma:
https://www.fifamedicalnetwork.com/dashboard
3. New Zealand; Christchurch SEM Clinic, Otago Rugby – Andrew Durham
My elective was in two parts. I spent two weeks at a SEM clinic in Christchurch seeing a range of presentations across all age groups. This enabled me to develop advanced examination skills that paid dividends for part two, where I joined Otago Rugby’s medical team for four weeks. I couldn’t enter the field-of-play but got exposure to working within a professional sporting environment.
Top tips:
- Start early. I began 18 months in advance. Electives like these are popular and difficult to sort. It also meant I was able to organise time exploring the Island, a core highlight was swimming with humpback whales!
- Do some pre-reading beforehand. Great depth isn’t required, but it gives you some understanding about what you’re seeing to get more out of it.
- Be bold, keen and courageous! Ask questions and show enthusiasm. The staff want you there and want to teach.
Elective video below:
https://youtu.be/VS-S0pguhOc?si=OpROg0Os8EaLkxcF
Conclusion
Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3, where we’ll share more examples and practical tips. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the authors listed below.
Lead authors: Rosie Rudin and Meg Ormond
Affiliations:
Rosie Rudin (@rosie_rudin) is a final year graduate medical student at the University of Warwick and the incoming Vice President of the National Undergraduate Sports and Exercise Society (USEMS) – rosie.rudin@warwick.ac.uk
Meg Ormond (@megormond_) is a Foundation Doctor working in Surrey and past president of both the National Undergraduate Sports and Exercise Society (USEMS) and Birmingham University SEM Society – megan.ormond3@nhs.net
Andrew Durham (@andrew_durham) is an F6 Doctor, due to commence core Emergency Medicine training, works with Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club and recently completed an MSc in SEM at UCL – drandrew.durham@gmail.com