Aspetar prepares to host one of the world’s largest sports medicine conferences
Aspetar Hospital is gearing up to host one of the world’s largest sports medicine conferences, as it organizes its first-ever Aspetar World Conference on Sports Medicine this coming October, with participation from a distinguished group of international experts in sports medicine and sports science.
Taking place over three days, from October 8 to 10, the 2025 Aspetar World Conference on Sports Medicine will offer an unprecedented platform for expertise and innovation in athlete health and performance. The event will bring together more than 100 speakers from over 35 countries to share the latest advancements in sports medicine — from injury surgery and performance enhancement to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine.
Khalid Ali Al-Mawlawi, Acting CEO of Aspetar, stated:
“This inaugural edition will be one of the leading global events in sports medicine this year. It is overseen by a scientific committee made up of prominent names from international and local institutions, reflecting Aspetar and Qatar’s commitment to supporting research and continuous education in sports medicine. At Aspetar, we are keen to attract the latest knowledge and expertise to achieve excellence in athlete care both locally and globally, in line with our pioneering role in sports and medicine.”
The highly anticipated event will feature over 35 sessions, including keynote talks, parallel panels, and specialized workshops across three days rich in knowledge and science. Attendees will benefit from 18 keynote sessions led by top international speakers, and more than 30 expert sessions held daily across four main tracks: sports injuries, medical conditions, performance sciences, and nursing, pharmacy, and dental medicine.
The daily program will also include interactive panel discussions and scientific poster presentations showcasing the latest research. In addition, 6 to 10 accredited training workshops will be held before and during the conference, offering a comprehensive learning experience and unprecedented opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Leading the roster of speakers are prominent doctors and researchers, including Dr. Andrew Massey, Medical Director of FIFA, who will discuss FIFA’s athlete health prevention strategies, and Prof. Roald Bahr, who will speak on the IOC’s strategies for athlete health protection. The conference will open with a keynote by Dr. Kirsty Brough (Switzerland) on redefining athlete health through a holistic approach that integrates physical and mental well-being. This will be followed by a lecture from Dr. Peter Duhig on the latest elite foot and ankle surgery techniques.
Prof. Marco Cardinale will address the protection of future athletes, while Dr. Brian Cole (USA) will cover cartilage disorders in athletes. Dr. Elisabeth Hagert will highlight Aspetar’s excellence in hand and wrist surgery.
The second day will focus on the latest developments in injury rehabilitation, featuring insights from Aspetar experts on ACL test protocols and their impact on return-to-play decisions, led by physiotherapist Rula Koutsevaqi. Marcelo Bordalo will explore the growing role of AI in sports medical imaging, and surgeon Khalid Al-Kholaifi will present modern techniques in cartilage injury treatment.
The third day will cover advanced topics in sports medicine in extreme environments and the unique challenges athletes face under such conditions. Dr. Dave Collins will highlight the psychological aspects of rehabilitation and mental readiness, while Dr. Alan Getgood, Head of Surgery at Aspetar, will present the latest updates in ACL surgery.
This landmark conference provides a prime opportunity for sports medicine professionals worldwide to share knowledge and the latest research, with a focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and evidence-based preventive and rehabilitation strategies to enhance athlete care and performance sustainably.
The event also aims to strengthen collaboration across sports medicine disciplines and create a paradigm shift in prevention and rehabilitation methods—directly enhancing athlete health and performance across all sports, while addressing future challenges with science-based, tech-driven solutions.
The conference is accredited for 18 Category 1 CPD hours, and Aspetar is recognized as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), formerly known as the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) under the Ministry of Public Health.
This event reaffirms Aspetar’s status as a global hub for excellence and a source of inspiration in advancing athlete health and performance. It serves as a strategic platform for sharing expertise, showcasing innovation, and highlighting the latest scientific developments.
Through organizing major scientific conferences like this, Aspetar reinforces its global leadership in specialized sports medicine, while continuing its mission to shape the future of the field through collaboration, knowledge, and excellence.
