The Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognised the important role that sports medicine plays in protecting the health of athletes.

As part of its commitment to supporting the health and performance of athletes and to the continuing professional development of those who care for them, the IOC Medical Commission now offers a postgraduate-level program in Sports Medicine. The program is designed primarily to meet the needs of team physicians from the National Olympic Committees (NOC) and International Federations (IFs). However, the high level and international flare of the program lends itself to physicians dealing with professional, international sports.

The program has built on existing programs offered by leading Universities, but embraces an international faculty to offer a program that is beyond the resources of any single institution.

The program will focus on the health and performance implications of participation in elite sport, but will also consider the role of physical activity, nutrition and other lifestyle factors in promoting good health.

The program operates under the academic oversight of an International Academic Advisory Board, who will advise on and be responsible for all aspects of academic standards, including:

• Quality assurance of syllabus content
• Moderation of student assessment

The Program is not offered as an alternative to the various short, intensive training programs that currently operate, but rather as a comprehensive program of training in sports medicine for those responsible for the care of elite athletes.

The program is operated on behalf of the IOC by sportsoracle Ltd.