Gruff Parsons invites physios to learn from the sports experts on how to make informed decisions

Anyone who follows a professional sport will know that the stars performing on the pitch, track or arena – or in the pool – are facing mounting pressures to make the right decisions.

Away from the glaring media spotlight, however, the physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals who help keep them in tip-top condition face parallel pressures – arguably with less back-up – and some even end up facing draining legal claims if things go wrong.

In response, physiotherapist Gruff Parsons has brought a panel of leading experts together to speak at a conference in November that he hopes will fill a gap that he's detected in many sports and exercise training programmes.

If you are someone who is ambitious and driven to succeeding in high-performance sports medicine, then get along and learn from some of the industry leaders! [Gruff Parsons]

Gruff speaks to PhysioUpdate

Gruff, who is the head of medical services at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club in west London, spoke exclusively to PhysioUpdate about his motivation for organising the unique event.

‘Over the last decade of working in sport, I have had to make difficult decisions which could have had significant medico-legal implications on organisations and athletes,’ Gruff said.

‘Whether it’s pre-signing medical examinations, preparing documentation for a career-ending insurance claim or undergoing intensive governance audits, there is more and more pressure on sports medicine practitioners to get these processes right.

‘Nevertheless, this concept of advanced decision-making in high-performance sports medicine is often absent from sports and exercise medicine curriculums and is poorly executed as a consequence,’ Gruff added. 

The line-up of speakers includes

Nick Worth, sports physiotherapist with extensive experience in medico-legal matters

Steve Wright, head of medical services at Southampton FC

Ben Ashworth, formerly senior physiotherapist with Arsenal FC and developer of the ‘ASH’ test

Dan Howells, formerly strength and conditioning co-ordinator with Houston Astros and founder of Collaborative Sports                                         

Emma Gallivan, senior physiotherapist at Premiership rugby union club Sale Sharks

Simon Ball, consultant knee surgeon at the Fortius clinic, London

Stuart Lancaster, formerly head coach with England Rugby and currently senior coach at Leinster rugby union club 

'The theme of the day is aimed at placing high value on making objective and evidence-based decisions not only to improve performance outcomes but also to protect the individual and the organisation from medico-legal risks.'

A limited number of discounted tickets is available for students.

To book tickets for the Ealing Trailfinders Sports and Exercise Medicine Conference, to be held on 16 November, visit: https://lnkd.in/e2_nrFi6