LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Sports and exercise medicine (SEM) is a professional qualification for physicians responsible for the health and care of athletes, but also for the functional evaluation and exercise prescription in patients with chronic diseases. SEM clinicians are involved in health promotion, screening and illness prevention for public health purposes. These medical specialists provide preparticipation evaluations in sports as well as comprehensive support and counselling for all those who engage in physical activity and exercise training. Although the exact role may vary in different settings and countries, key competencies of SEMspecialists have been identified including : ► Exercise physiology. ► Physical activity for public health. ► Physical activity in extreme environments. ► Sports and exercise for special/ disabled populations. ► Clinical/functional evaluation in athletes and patients. ► Exercise prescription. ► Musculoskeletal medicine, injuries and rehabilitation. ► Nutrition. ► Drugs and antidoping in sports. ► Sports team care/management. ► SEMspecific skills. ► Medical emergencies. ► Psychosocial and complementary competencies (ie, research, communication, management). Scientific evidence clearly shows that physical exercise is one of the most important prevention strategies and costeffective/costsaving medical treatment options for multiple chronic diseases. 5 Surprisingly, abilities regarding the prescription of this exercise ‘polypill’ is not adequately taught in medical schools or during postgraduate specialisations. Athletes from different sports and performance levels will also seek SEM specialists for medical care. We, here, report the current state of the SEM specialisation in Europe and reflect on both our advances over the last decade and contemporary challenges.