OCA supports IOC advanced courses for NOC team physicians

Kuwait City, Kuwait, August 1, 2026: Supported by the Olympic Council of Asia, the International Olympic Committee is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the IOC Advanced Courses for NOC Team Physicians, to be held in Sepang, Malaysia, from November 30 to December 5,2026. 

This prestigious educational programme is open exclusively to physicians nominated by National Olympic Committees from Asia and is supported by the OCA.

Programme Overview

The five‑day event combines the flagship IOC Advanced Team Physician Course with three specialised one‑day satellite courses, offering comprehensive training across the most critical areas of elite sports medicine.

Course Highlights

IOC Advanced Team Physician Course (3 days)
Building on 15 years of excellence, this intensive programme brings together 25 world‑renowned expert speakers and 100–150 experienced team physicians. Across 13 comprehensive sessions, participants will:

• Master critical injury management, including evidence‑based rehabilitation protocols and surgical indications.
• Enhance diagnostic skills for complex injuries, from ankle syndesmotic injuries to groin pain and hip‑related conditions.
• Optimise athlete health through Periodic Health Evaluations, injury surveillance, and management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).
• Navigate return‑to‑play decisions following concussion and illness, with tools for mental health screening.
• Address travel medicine challenges and practical team physician logistics.

IOC Course on Respiratory Care of Olympic Athletes
Led by global experts in sports pulmonology, this course equips physicians to recognise and manage respiratory conditions affecting elite athletes, including asthma, exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and exercise‑induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). Participants will gain hands‑on experience with spirometry, diagnostic algorithms, and evidence‑based return‑to‑sport protocols.

IOC Course on Cardiovascular Evaluation of Olympic Athletes
Designed to prevent sudden cardiac death, this interactive case‑based course covers cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valvular diseases, and hypertension in athletes. Participants will master ECG interpretation (including in African athletes), emergency action planning, and AED implementation.

Safeguarding Essentials for Safeguarding Focal Points – Adapted for Team Physicians (1 day)
Recognising the frontline role of team physicians in protecting athlete wellbeing, this adapted course adopts a public‑health, multidisciplinary approach. It emphasises prevention, early identification of concerns, and collaboration with safeguarding, law enforcement, and social services, empowering physicians to become key allies in creating safer sporting environments.

Application Details

Eligibility

• Open exclusively to physicians nominated by NOCs from Asia.
• Each eligible NOC may nominate up to two representatives: one male and one female physician.

What is Covered

The IOC will cover all programme costs, including:

• Accommodation and meals from 29 November to 5 December 2026.
• Economy‑class airfare from the participant's country of residence to Malaysia.
• All course registration fees.
• Invitation letters upon request.

Please note: personal expenses, accompanying persons, or travel extensions are the responsibility of the participant.

How to Apply

Interested physicians must complete the following two steps by 31 August 2026:

1. Complete the online application form: [insert link]
2. Email the following supporting documents to medical_events@olympic.org:
• A motivation letter
• An official endorsement letter from the respective NOC

Please include your full name and "IOC NOC Team Physicians" in the subject line of your email.

Applications will only be considered if both the online form and supporting documents are submitted by the deadline.

For Further Information

Please direct all inquiries to:
Email: medical_events@olympic.org

About the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission
The IOC Medical and Scientific Commission is dedicated to protecting the health of athletes worldwide through education, research, and the development of evidence‑based guidelines.