Role of pan-national associations such as the European College of Sports and Exercise Physicians (ECOSEP) in advancing the specialty of sports and exercise medicine in the 21st century

Correspondence to Volker Scheer; volkerscheer@yahoo.com Regular physical activity confers important health benefits, reduces all-cause mortality and can prolong life.1 Physical activity and exercise as preventative measures, through enhancing health and well-being, managing multimorbidity, and guiding rehabilitation from illness and injury or postoperatively, as well as promoting social inclusion and addressing aspects of health inequalities, form one of the cornerstones of the specialty of sports and exercise medicine (SEM).2 Approximately one-third of the world’s population suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries that negatively impact their health, cause disability and constitute a major economic burden on the health system and society.2 SEM physicians are trained in assessing, diagnosing and managing MSK injuries, therefore, avoiding unnecessary investigations and procedures and reducing costs.2 SEM physicians are also key in prescribing exercise, especially for chronic medical conditions, therefore, decreasing the consumption of medications and reducing costs to healthcare systems.2 SEM as a professional medical specialty or subspecialty exists in most European countries.3 However entry requirements, training pathways and curricula differ considerably between countries.3 Although the European Union allows free travel and recognition of professional qualifications, this is not the case for SEM physicians, as there is currently no general recognition of the specialty within Europe.3 Early SEM was more focused on athletes and teams’ care. The European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), which aims to promote, develop and harmonise Sports Medicine training and recognition as a primary medical specialty and inclusion in the basic curricula of medical schools within Europe.8 Fédération Internationale de Médecine du Sport (FIMS) or International Federation of Sports Medicine, as an international association, committed to the promotion and development of Sports Medicine throughout the world, aiming to protect the physical and mental health and ensuring the well-being of all who are engaged in sports and exercise, assisting athletes in achieving optimal performance. Examples of these organisations include but are not limited to sports teams/clubs, sports federations, governing bodies, state run or national health systems, private establishments providing MSK/sport injury clinics, universities and academic institutions, public health, and spo