Sports and exercise medicine: a Cinderella specialty?

Summary: Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is an emerging specialty that integrates clinical care, public health, and lifestyle medicine. Despite its growing importance in managing musculoskeletal conditions and promoting physical activity, SEM remains underrepresented in UK medical curricula. This article examines the barriers to SEM integration, including limited curricular exposure, financial constraints, and a lack of structured training pathways. It also explores international models and policy initiatives that have successfully incorporated SEM into medical education. Recommendations are provided to enhance SEM's presence in medical training, aiming to better prepare future doctors for holistic patient care.Relevance: As the prevalence of chronic diseases and sedentary lifestyles increases, SEM offers essential skills in prevention, rehabilitation, and health promotion. However, many medical students graduate without adequate exposure to SEM, limiting their preparedness to address these challenges. Integrating SEM into medical education is crucial for developing a workforce capable of delivering comprehensive care that includes physical activity as a key component of treatment and prevention strategies. Take home message: SEM is a vital specialty that addresses the intersection of physical activity, injury prevention, and chronic disease management. Medical curricula should incorporate SEM through core modules, electives, and clinical placements to provide students with practical experience. International examples demonstrate that structured SEM education can be successfully implemented, offering a blueprint for UK medical schools. Enhancing SEM training will equip future doctors with the necessary tools to promote physical activity and manage related health conditions effectively.