Educating the Next Generation in Sport and Exercise Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background Sport and exercise medicine (SEM) is a relatively new specialty, and it is not well incorporated into undergraduate medical education. Previous studies have highlighted that medical students would benefit from increased teaching on SEM, and that students would like more SEM teaching. The aim of this project is to establish which SEM-related topics are deemed to be most important to incorporate into undergraduate medical education and confirm whether medical students would benefit from increased SEM exposure. Methods An online survey was distributed to all members of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) via email, and it was shared on Twitter via BASEM and the research team. Results A total of 126 responses were analysed. The majority of respondents work in SEM, or were interested in pursuing a career in SEM. Musculoskeletal (MSK) examination skills, exercise to prevent and manage disease, and MSK injuries and conditions were deemed to be the most important SEM-related topics to teach medical students. Use of social media and pitchside case were deemed the least important. Respondents thought medical students do not receive enough SEM teaching at medical school and could benefit from increased SEM exposure. Conclusions This study supports the opinion that medical students would benefit from increased SEM exposure. This survey is the first to determine how important it is that specific SEM-related topics are taught to medical students. In response to this survey a Delphi study is being conducted in the UK to establish a consensus undergraduate SEM curriculum for medical students.