ACSEP Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians

We’re pleased to welcome Associate Professor Michael Turner to Australia as a keynote speaker at this year’s 2026 SMA & ACSEP Scientific Conference.

Medical Director of The International Concussion and Head Injury Research Foundation and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University College London - Assoc. Professor Turner will challenge the concept that a ‘return to play (RTP)’ should be the over-riding goal of every consultation and treatment in sports medicine.

Early Bird Registrations are now open, take advantage and join us in Brisbane: https://acsepconference.com/

The first of our ACSEP Fellows’ Dinners for the year was held last night in Perth – thank-you to all those who joined us for a great evening of connection and conversation!

These dinners are a great opportunity for Fellows to connect with peers, share feedback, and hear updates directly from the College - while enjoying the camaraderie of the local ACSEP community.

We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation at our next Fellows’ Dinners in New Zealand next week.

On behalf of the ACSEP Conference Committee, we’re excited to announce Dr Bruce Hamilton as the keynote speaker to deliver this year’s Vince Higgins Lecture at the 2026 SMA & ACSEP Scientific Conference.

Currently working as Chief Medical Officer for the Saudi Arabia Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Dr Hamilton has been embedded in elite sport for over 25 years, with leadership roles in Australia, United Kingdom, Qatar and New Zealand.

Early Bird Registrations are now open, take advantage and join us in Brisbane: https://acsepconference.com/

Applications for the 2026 ACSEP Conference Scholarships are now open. Are you a junior doctor interested in Sport and Exercise Medicine? Apply for an ACSEP scholarship to attend the 2026 SMA & ACSEP Scientific Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

ACSEP scholarship opportunities include dedicated pathways supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pasifika medical students and junior doctors, as well as regional and rural applicants through the scholarship established in honour of Dr Geoff Thompson FACSEP, AM.

Applications close 6 July 2026.

Further information on available scholarships, eligibility criteria and application forms can be found here: https://acsepconference.com/scholarships

Image Featured (Left to Right): William Stockley, Dr Geoff Thompson AM Rural/Regional Scholarship Recipient 2025, Osita Isichei, ACSEP Indigenous Scholarship 2025, Pasifika Recipient, Bailey Lacey-Rameka, ACSEP Indigenous Scholarship 2025, Māori Recipient.

Congratulations to ACSEP Sport and Exercise Physician Registrar, Dr Ione Patten, on this recently published research.

'Lower Limb Bone Stress Injuries in Elite Female Cricket Players' - Patten, Ione MBBS; Saw, Anna PhD; Young, Stephanie MACP; Ryan, Katie Grad Dip; Beerworth, Kathy-Ann Grad Cert; Kountouris, Alex PhD; Inge, Philippa MBBS, FACSEP

Find the published research here: https://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/abstract/9900/lower_limb_bone_stress_injuries_in_elite_female.405.aspx

Join us at an upcoming ACSEP MOST Course!

ACSEP's Management of Sports Trauma (MOST) Course combines current theory and a practical approach, to equip medical professionals with the core skills needed to manage traumatic sporting injuries, on and off the field.

4 & 5 July 2026 (Melbourne)

27 & 28 October 2026 (Brisbane)

Register now to join us at an upcoming course: https://www.acsep.org.au/page/events/most-course

2026 is almost here!
This Friday 5 June, wear your craziest socks and support this important initiative continue to raise awareness and promote tangible action about mental health in healthcare workers, but also to focus on removing the stigma associated with it.

The theme for this year is “Safe to Speak Up”. Show your support here: https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/crazysocks4docs-day/crazy-socks-4-docs-day-2026/

At ACSEP we’re getting out and active over the weekend in our crazy socks for a - Join in wherever you are by going on a walk or a run with your family or friends to support your mental health!🧦

Capture a picture and be sure to share it with us!

Applications for the 2026 ACSEP Conference Scholarships are now open. Are you a junior doctor interested in Sport and Exercise Medicine? Apply for an ACSEP scholarship to attend the 2026 SMA & ACSEP Scientific Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

ACSEP scholarship opportunities include dedicated pathways supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pasifika medical students and junior doctors, as well as regional and rural applicants through the scholarship established in honour of Dr Geoff Thompson FACSEP, AM.

Applications close 6 July 2026.

Further information on available scholarships, eligibility criteria and application forms can be found here: https://acsepconference.com/scholarships

Join us from 28–31 October for the 2026 SMA & ACSEP Scientific Conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Located within Brisbane’s South Bank precinct, set along the Brisbane River, with parklands and pedestrian friendly spaces that offer a relaxed setting between conference sessions!

Sports Medicine Australia and ACSEP are delivering a Scientific Conference that brings together clinicians, researchers and practitioners from across sports and exercise medicine, sports science and physical activity, spanning community, elite and high-performance sport.

With more than 750 delegates expected, it provides a national forum to engage with the multidisciplinary expertise that supports athlete health, performance and physical activity outcomes.

Take advantage of early bird registration pricing until 31 July. Register here: https://acsepconference.com/registration

As National Reconciliation Week begins, ACSEP acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and care for our communities. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Guided by this year’s theme, “All In”, we recognise that reconciliation is strengthened when communities, organisations and health professionals come together to support equity, wellbeing and better health outcomes for all.