Front Line to Finish Line: an SEM Essentials Podcast by FSEM

In this episode of Front Line to Finish Line, we’re joined by Dr Jim Kerss, Head of Sports Medicine at the UK Sports Institute and Chair of the Faculty’s Team Care Committee.   Jim walks us through the newly published minimum standards for team care, why they were needed, and how they’ll shape athlete healthcare across the UK. From the evolution of the Team Care Diploma to clarifying expectations for doctors and allied health professionals, this is an essential listen for anyone working in sport, team care, or athlete support.   View the documents here - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/publications/minimum-standards/  

In this episode of Frontline to Finish Line, we explore the challenges and solutions around promoting physical activity for people with long-term health conditions. Dr Hamish Reid shares insights on risk perception, pre-participation screening, and why the benefits of movement far outweigh the risks. We also explore the latest with Moving Medicine. Dr Hamish Reid is a Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant based in New Zealand. He is joint Clinical Director of Moving Medicine, author of the influential “Benefits Outweigh the Risk” consensus statement, and a leader in developing resources to empower healthcare professionals and patients alike. Risk Consensus statement - https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/risk-consensus/  

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Ross Hemingway OBE, a leading expert in exertional heat illness, to explore the causes, risks, and management of this potentially life-threatening condition. As the autumn marathon season winds down and athletes prepare for warmer events, Ross shares his deep insights from years of experience treating amateur, elite, and tactical athletes. From personal stories to practical advice, this conversation covers everything from early recognition and rapid cooling to long-term rehabilitation and prevention strategies.  About Ross Ross has extensive experience in managing amateur, elite and tactical  athletes with exertional collapse. He is a national expert in the prevention, acute management and rehabilitation of patients with exertional heat illness ( EHI). He is passionate about reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with EHI. He is a founding member of the UK Heat Illness Advisory Group and is an author of the UK National Consensus Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care guidelines on EHI.  Ross is an Honorary Senior lecturer in Sports Medicine at Exeter University and Match Day Doctor for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby  and Rugby Football Union.  Ross was awarded the OBE in the 2023 King’s New Year’s Honours List  ‘For services to the Royal Marines’. Links View the position statement - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/position-statement/exertional-heat-illness-consensus-statement/

In this episode of Front Line to Finish Line, we’re joined by Dr Jon Houghton, Consultant in Rheumatology and Sports Medicine at Fortius Clinic, and Chief Medical Officer for the FA of Wales and Surrey County Cricket Club. With extensive experience across elite football, rugby, and cricket, Jon takes us through the full journey of managing pars injuries. We start with the basics, what a pars fracture is and how it presents, before diving into risk factors, prevention strategies, imaging techniques, and initial medical management. Jon also shares insights on rehabilitation principles, return-to-play timelines, and the use of anabolic bone agents like teriparatide. Whether you're new to pars injury management or working in elite sport, this episode offers practical guidance and expert perspective on one of the most challenging spinal injuries in athletes.

In this exciting new episode, physiotherapist Claire Speer is joined for the first time by her new co-host, Dr Ed Appleby! Together, they welcome Andrew Cuff, Consultant Physiotherapist, Clinical Director at Cora Health, and Council Member for the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine. Andrew shares his remarkable journey from military service to clinical leadership, offering insights into the future of MSK services, healthcare strategy, and the evolving role of allied health professionals. We explore topics such as Andrew’s transition from the military and its influence on his leadership style The future structure of MSK services in the NHS The value and future of Diplomate Membership within FSEM and the proposed new college Whether you're a clinician, a leader in healthcare, or simply curious about the forces shaping MSK care, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us for a special episode of the Front Line to Finish Line podcast series, coming in the form of a recent Out of the Blocks webinar, with the discussion led by Dr. Imran Sajid.   Dr. Sajid is Musculoskeletal & Diagnostics Clinical Lead for NHS NW London and GPwER in Musculoskeletal Medicine and also serves as the Clinical Lead (MSK and Diagnostics) for the Northwest London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups.   This session explores strategic approaches to SEM (Sport and Exercise Medicine) commissioning, its real-world impact, and practical implementation. Dr Sajid is supported by Dr Lesley Perkins and members of both the Faculty's Workforce Planning Group and Out of the Blocks Committee.   Learn more about workforce planning - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/workforce-planning/

In this episode of Front Line to Finish Line, we dive into the world of aquatic therapy with leading expert Sarah Wratten. With over 27 years of experience as an aquatic physiotherapist, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation. She shares what aquatic therapy is, how it works, and why it’s such a powerful tool in rehabilitation, from easing pain and improving mobility to supporting recovery across a wide range of conditions. Sarah has worked across the NHS, private sector, and Ministry of Defence, where she served as Clinical Aquatic Therapy Lead for a decade. She’s treated everyone from individuals with no active movement to elite athletes, and her expertise spans musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatological, orthopaedic, and sports injuries. As Chair of the Aquatic Therapy Association for Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and a tutor teaching aquatic therapy in the UK and abroad, Sarah is a true champion of personalised, effective, and enjoyable rehab in the water. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, or someone on a recovery journey, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of how the pool can be a game-changer in rehab. Pinder Aquatic Physiotherapy - https://www.pinderaquaticphysio.co.uk/aquatic-physiotherapy

In this episode, Claire speaks to Dr. Rod Jaques, Past President of the Faculty, to explore the latest updates to the FSEM Professional Code. We discuss the key changes, why they matter, and how they help SEM practitioners uphold the highest standards of care. From ethical decision-making to best practices in athlete welfare, Dr. Jaques shares valuable insights on navigating complex challenges in SEM. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this conversation will provide essential guidance on maintaining integrity, professionalism, and excellence in your practice.

Welcome to another episode of Front Line to Finish Line, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of sport and exercise medicine. Our host Claire Speers speaks to fellow physiotherapist Chris Myers, a highly experienced and specialised physiotherapist in musculoskeletal medicine and sports injuries. Chris has over 20 years’ experience of treating both adults and children, working in elite sport, private practice and in the NHS, and currently splits his time between Complete Physio, elite sport and lecturing.  In this episode, we’ll explore how MSK ultrasound is revolutionising diagnostics, the role of injections in treatment, and how these techniques can enhance recovery for athletes and active individuals alike.  Chris Meyers - https://complete-physio.co.uk/team/chris-myers/

We return in 2025 with a fascinating discussion about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, better known as RED-S. Joining Ralph and Claire for this episode is Dr Margo Mountjoy, a sports medicine clinician scientist from Canada. Margo has an international focus at the elite level of sport extends from scientific research to knowledge translation, policy development, advocacy, and prevention. In this episode, we talk all things RED-S, explaining what it is, gender differences, elite and amateur sport differences, what to look for and where to find available resources on RED-S. Learn more about Margo - https://margomountjoy.com/

Dr Chris Speers is the Lead for the Faculty's Diploma in Exercise Medicine, which has now opened applications for its second sitting, taking place in February 2025. Have a listen to the excerpt from our recent podcast episode with Chris, as he explains who is eligible for it, why you should do it and what resources are available to support exam preparation. Learn more - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/careers-and-training/exams/fsem-diploma-exams/diploma-in-exercise-medicine/

We're back for one final episode before we wrap up for the new year! Dr Chris Speers is a Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine and has an interest in exercise medicine, championing the broad range of health benefits associated with physical activity. He is also the lead for the Faculty's own Diploma in Exercise Medicine, which you can now apply for. Our hosts Dr Ralph Mitchell and Claire Speer spoke to Chris about all things exercise medicine and physical activity. The conversation covers what exercise medicine is, studies behind it, behavioural change, relative risk reduction and much much more.  A huge thank you to all our listeners over the course of 2024. we look forward to bringing you more insight, evidence and discussion in the world of sport and exercise medicine  in 2025! Learn more about the Diploma in Exercise Medicine - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/careers-and-training/exams/fsem-diploma-exams/diploma-in-exercise-medicine/ Moving Medicine - https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/ 

Ralph sits down with Professor Ross Tucker, a science and research consultant for World Rugby and someone you might recognise from The Real Science of Sport Podcast. We caught up at BASEM 2024 with Ross, a keynote speaker at the conference, and spoke across a number of topics within sport science. Ralph and Ross cover mouthguards & head injury assessment and the future of the process, the use of technology and its application within sport and healthcare, and much more throughout the episode. We are very excited to bring you our very first in person episode, so please share this! It was also our first video recording as well, which you can watch here - https://youtu.be/MS7ZrkAxjAo You can check out The Real Science of Sport Podcast here -  https://open.spotify.com/show/3g71AuFYy6FnYHEI1GO9A0 View the Science of Sport - https://sportsscientists.com/ Ross Tucker - https://x.com/Scienceofsport    

Our recent podcast guest, Dr Dane Vishnubala, spoke to Ralph about the upcoming BASEM 2024 Conference, taking place in Coventry on 7th - 8th November. The BASEM 2024 Annual Conference aims to bring together over 400 leading health professionals, scientists, clinicians and researchers. The aim is to share and discuss the latest scientific research, clinical best practice and ethics in the field of sport and exercise medicine and it will provide a platform for discussion, debate and new ideas. The Annual Conference is open to BASEM Members and Non Members. It is aimed at medical practitioners, physiotherapists and all groups of healthcare professionals working with the field of sport and exercise medicine. 

Front Line to Finish Line is back! Ralph talks to Dr Dane Vishnubala about the training pathways currently available in Sport and Exercise Medicine, the NHS and how the future of the SEM specialty is shaping up. An insightful discussion which helps to outline both the challenges and opportunities in the specialty to any aspiring SEM professional. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) are hosting their annual conference in Coventry on 7th - 8th November. Learn more about the conference and get your tickets here - https://basem.co.uk/basem-annual-conference-2024/

How can you inspire people to be physically active? Why is it important and what are the benefits greater physical activity can have? What support is available to me to provide this advise to patients? Andrew Harris from Active Together speaks to Ralph and Claire about making physical activity and sport more accessible and part of our everyday lives. Useful links Moving Medicine Website The ultimate resource to help healthcare professionals integrate physical activity conversations into routine clinical care https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/   We Are Undefeatable A collective movement supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions to find ways to be active. https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/   Active Together Active Partnership for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. We work collaboratively with a range of sectors and partners across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland with a shared ambition to reduce inequality of access to physical activity and help our communities realise the many health and social benefits of living an active life. https://www.active-together.org/be-active-for-my-health   Get in touch with Andrew: a.harris@active-together.org

How do elite sport team environments work with their medical teams? How is this landscape changing?  Ralph and Claire talk to Lee Blackett, assistant coach at Bath Rugby and former player for Rotherham and Leeds Tykes about working in a high performance multi-disciplinary team.  An insightful discussion, providing a look at the evolving perspective and relationship of sports coaches and their medical teams.

Episode Description In this episode, Ralph and Claire welcome Guy Lubitsh to discuss leading and collaborating with others within a complex health care environment and SEM. Guy is a Professor of Leadership & Psychology at Ashridge Executive Education/Hult International Business School and an organisational psychologist.   About Guy Lubitsh Guy has over 25 years of experience working as a facilitator, coach and consultant in both NHS and the private healthcare sector. His special interests are leadership development, culture change & organisational change. He led several national leadership programmes and networks, turnaround of clinical teams, coaches senior executives/leaders, and his work with clinical Diabetes/MSK champions has won national and international awards. Guy’s book ‘Connect – resolve conflict, improve communication, strengthen relationships’ has been published recently by FT/Pearson and shortlisted for management book of the year. He’s currently co-authoring a new book ‘The Leader’s Guide to Collaboration’ with Mike Brent to be published by Pearson at the beginning of 2025   Useful Links Website - https://www.guylubitsh.com/bio Guy's Book: Connect - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connect-conflict-communication-strengthen-relationships/dp/1292286873   Social Media Channels  LInkedin: Guy.lubitsh@linkedin.com Twitter: @Guylubitsh

Want to learn more about osteoporosis and exercise? Join Ralph and Claire as they speak to Abby Armstrong about bones and beyond. Gain extensive insight from Abby as we explore osteoporosis and pelvic wellness, with a lot of key take-home messages for strong communication with patients. Abby Armstrong is an experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with special interests in Pelvic Health and Osteoporosis. Abby sees Bone Health patients in private practise in South West London. Resources UK Consensus Statement: https://theros.org.uk/media/0o5h1l53/ros-strong-steady-straight-quick-guide-february-2019.pdf LIFTMOR Study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/ Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) leaflets - https://thepogp.co.uk/Resources/9/pelvic_organ_prolapse_a_physiotherapy_guide_for_women https://thepogp.co.uk/Resources/115/pelvic_floor_muscle_exercises_for_women Squeezy App - https://squeezyapp.com/

How do you determine hypermobility? How do you know when a tendon issue can be attributed to either loading or inflammation? Claire welcomes Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Vijay Hajela for this episode, discussing his role, key questions for patients with joint pain, advice around inflammation and much more relating to rheumatology.   Useful Links Directory of therapists who have completed Jeannie Di Bons - https://jeanniedibon.com/imm-directory/ Healthcare Professionals Directory - https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/healthcare-professionals-directory/  You can learn more about Dr Vijay on his own website - www.Hajelamedicalltd.co.uk