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
This is part two of three to the 2025 Undergraduate SEM Elective series.
1. Doha; Aspetar Hospital – Isa Waheed
I attended an ACL conference and internship at the FIFA accredited Aspetar Hospital, in Doha, Qatar, where I delved into performance testing, neuro-cognitive rehabilitation, and surgical assessment. I shadowed top professionals, observed complex surgeries and toured sports facilities, which enhanced my understanding of musculoskeletal medicine and individualized patient care. Outside of the conference, I explored Doha’s cultural sites, vibrant souls and experienced a blend of tradition and modernity. My key takeaways include the importance of prevention programmes, patient confidence in return to play criteria and the benefits of high-tech equipment.
Top tips:
– Plan early to secure opportunities as this took several months to arrange.
– Seek diverse experiences to broaden skills – try to go abroad.
– Network with professionals for future collaborations – this will kick-start your career.
– Immerse yourself in the global culture to enrich your experience and better understand different patient groups.
2. England; Premier league academy – Antony Stott
During my elective I spent a thrilling week at a Premier League academy. Here, I was integrated into the medical
team under the lead academy doctor and encountered a variety of sporting and non-sporting pathologies, from an
ACL rupture to simple viral upper respiratory tract infections. I was able to observe and shadow multiple members of
the medical team, from doctors to physios to sports psychologists. Each role provided unique insight into the holistic
care provided at this level to youth team players and it was inspiring to witness the hard work that was put in behind
the scenes to allow the players to gain that extra 1% on the pitch. A particular highlight for me was being pitched side
with the medical team during an academy league game.
Top tips:
– To get the most out of your elective, prepare beforehand for the likely topics you’ll encounter. The FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine is excellent if you have time alongside your university studies!
3. Sydney; Hornby Sports Medicine, The Stadium Clinic – Alessio Kenda
I had the privilege of undertaking a sports medicine elective in Sydney across two sites. My placement commenced with a month at Hornsby Sports Medicine, which gave me incredible exposure to MSK examination, concussion follow-up and MSK radiology in a community setting. Through this placement, I also gained insight into match day medicine with the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL. The final two weeks of my elective were spent at The Stadium Clinic, which allowed me to cement many of the principles that I had learned in Hornsby with more emphasis on the elite athlete as I spent time with both the Sydney Roosters (NRL) and Sydney Swans (AFL) match day medical teams. The Stadium Clinic is also pioneering non-surgical management of ACL tears and it was fascinating to observe innovative research firsthand. Outside of placement, I enjoyed plenty of time at the beach (Indian and Pacific Oceans!), attended footy matches across Australia and even ran the Sydney Half Marathon!
Top tips:
– Cast the net out wide. Get in touch with as many institutions as you can.
– Ask questions. Every SEM clinician I met in Sydney was excited to teach and share their passion for the specialty.
– Smile and enjoy it. An elective is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
– Investigate awards and bursaries from your university and other organisations.
Conclusion
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll share more examples and practical tips. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to the authors listed below.
Author names and affiliations
1. 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
2. Meg Ormond (@megormond_) is a Foundation Doctor working in Surrey and past president of both the National USEMS and Birmingham University SEM Society – megan.ormond3@nhs.net
3. Isa Waheed (@drisawaheed) is an FY2 Doctor in London with a BSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine. He’s Vice President of USEMS, completed internships at Aspetar and AFC Wimbledon, published in Cureus, and shares science-based fitness content with over 40,000 followers online – Isa.waheed@nhs.net
4. Antony Stott is a FY2 doctor in the North West with a passion for MSK related SEM. He will be starting Radiology specialty training later this year and was recently on the USEMS committee – antonystott@doctors.org.uk (Due to confidentiality agreements, the specific academy cannot be disclosed).
5. Alessio Kenda – (@alessio.kenda) is a FY1 Doctor in Leeds. He graduated from UCL with an integrated degree in Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences. He is a keen hockey player and runner – alessiokenda@hotmail.com
Competing Interests
None
References
None