Madrid strengthened its role as the global capital of elite sports medicine by hosting the II International Summit on Elite Sports Medicine, which, for the second consecutive year, gathered medical directors and experts from world-leading sports institutions like Real Madrid, Manchester United, New York Yankees, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid, Los Angeles Lakers, and the NFL.
Organised by Sports Doctors Network and HM Hospitales and coordinated by Dr Niko Mihic, head of the Personalised Early Prevention Unit at HM Hospitales, the event was held on 25–26 April at IE Tower. It offered a multidisciplinary programme to share the latest scientific and technological developments. Ultimately, it positioned Madrid as the epicentre of elite sports medicine, attracting world-class speakers and providing a unique platform for scientific exchange, technological innovation, and clinical excellence.
At the opening ceremony, the Secretary of State for Sport and President of the National Sports Council (CSD), José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, highlighted that ‘Spanish law recognises sport as a fundamental right for citizens and athletes, but it is also a major industry in our country, promoting values such as health, teamwork, overcoming challenges, and effort. At the CSD, we are committed to specialising in high-performance centres and ensuring universal access to sport for all citizens.’
Meanwhile, Dr Juan Abarca Cidón, President of HM Hospitales, remarked that ‘hosting a congress of this calibre, with a programme that promoted scientific knowledge led by internationally renowned speakers, was undoubtedly a great opportunity for HM Hospitales and sports medicine in Spain, reinforcing our conviction that we are ready to lead the conversation around health, performance, and recovery in elite sport.’
Emergencies, the importance of sleep and nutrition
Over the two days, key topics were addressed, including optimal nutrition for professional athletes, immediate medical response to emergencies during competitions, the critical importance of sleep and recovery, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in sports, and innovative therapies such as stem cell treatments.
The summit featured leading medical figures such as Dr Gary O’Driscoll from Manchester United, an expert in on-field emergency medicine; Dr Christopher S. Ahmad from the New York Yankees, a specialist in upper limb injuries in athletes; and Dr Kristofer Jones from the Los Angeles Lakers, an expert in sports injuries and return-to-play protocols.
A unique platform for scientific exchange
‘With this congress and under the theme’ Athletes First’, we aimed to promote specialisation and personalisation in medicine and apply this approach to our patients. In this summit, which gathered leading figures, we addressed a holistic approach to elite athletes, covering nutrition, strength and conditioning, rest, and sleep. In doing so, we advocated for protecting athletes from the excessive demands currently seen in football, where too many matches are being played — a fact recognised by everyone except UEFA and La Liga, who continue to schedule fixtures with little regard for player health,’ stated Dr Niko Mihic.
The event also included round tables and interactive sessions, offering networking opportunities for all attendees. It was a must-attend gathering for doctors, physical trainers, researchers, and students dedicated to sports health.
Discussions covered regenerative therapies, including stem cells. They offered innovative approaches to treating common injuries such as fractures, muscle tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, focusing on women’s football.
International experts and high-level programmes
The congress hosted professionals from top sporting and academic institutions. Notable participants included representatives from Manchester United, Real Madrid, New York Yankees, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, A.C. Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Harvard University, McGill University, and the NFL, who shared their expertise and experience through keynote lectures, debates, and interactive panels. This elite group of specialists represented the cutting edge of elite sports medicine, offering a global and innovative perspective on the future of the field. Lisa Bevill, Director of the IE Center for Health & Well-being, also participated on behalf of IE University, sharing her vision and experience with the panellists.
The II International Summit on Elite Sports Medicine was ideal for fostering scientific and technical exchange between health and sports experts. The event focused on optimising the performance of high-level athletes. It aimed to translate these findings and practices into general medicine, contributing to improved healthcare standards for the broader population.
The summit has firmly established itself as the platform where pioneering ideas and the most advanced practices in sports medicine converge, enhancing the comprehensive care of elite athletes and, by extension, the health of society as a whole. Co-organised by Sports Doctors Network and HM Hospitales, with Abbott as the primary sponsor, the event brought together international leaders and benchmarks in elite sports medicine to share breakthroughs, best practices, and technologies transforming the care of professional athletes.
