This weekend, the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) was delighted to host the National Undergraduate Sports and Exercise Medicine Conference 2024, co-organised by final year medical students, Allegra Wisking and Yunis Ali. Held in collaboration with UCL, the event brought together over 100 enthusiastic delegates from across the UK for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration in the field of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM).
The conference showcased five exceptional keynote speakers, each contributing valuable insights into the multifaceted world of SEM:
- Dr Farhan Shahid
- Dr Ademola Adejuwon
- Toby Harries
- Dr Richard Allison
- Dr Olivia Gamble
Their sessions explored themes ranging from elite athlete performance and career pathways in SEM to the practicalities of being a team doctor, the athlete’s perspective, and the critical role of nutrition in optimising performance.
Workshops held at ISEH were a standout feature of the day, providing hands-on learning and practical applications in key areas of SEM:
- Kirsty Hunter and Rosalyn Cooke delivered a comprehensive crash course on MSK examinations and history-taking.
- Dr Tom Gurney and Matthew Carpenter focused on the impact of acute supplementation.
- Joseph Warwick offered practical guidance on return-to-play protocols, including the use of force plates and performance metrics for optimizing recovery.
The conference also highlighted academic excellence through oral and poster presentations by delegates. A special congratulations to Darcey Atkinson, who won the oral presentation prize for her groundbreaking work on measuring neck strength in female rugby players, sparking meaningful discussions in this critical area of research.
The ISEH is proud to have played a central role in supporting the delivery of this event, in partnership with the UCL Sport and Exercise Medicine Society, RUMS Medical Student Association, and the broader organising team.