Introducing your first CSEM Board
The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK (FSEM) and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) are delighted to introduce the newly elected Board of the College of Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine (CSEM). This marks a significant milestone in the unification of our specialty and the establishment of the future College.
The upcoming formation of the CSEM Board brings together a group of experienced and passionate professionals who are committed to representing and supporting the multidisciplinary community of Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine.
Disclaimer: While progress towards a new College of Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine is continuing, both BASEM and FSEM currently exist as separate entities and continue to operate as such. The new CSEM board will only be instated when the formation of the College occurs.
Dr Julia Newton – President
Dr Julia Newton has been elected as the first President of CSEM. Reflecting on the journey to this point, she shared:
“It will be an honour to represent the combined membership of these two great organisations that have been a part of my career for 20 years. Getting to this point has been an incredible team effort led by the current and past presidents, chairs, office bearers, board members and staff representing the aspirations and ambitions of the membership of both organisations.
I am an NHS consultant and Associate Dean for NHS England – Thames Valley, one of the two current Vice-Presidents of FSEM and a member of the College Steering Group, which is leading on the final crucial stages of College formation. I held previous roles in elite sport for 15 years and have a background in education and leadership development. Once formation of the college is complete, we have an impressive and dedicated newly elected board ready to lead on the next stage of the journey, and continue to unite and grow both our multidisciplinary College and our specialty.”
Professor Courtney Kipps – Vice-President
Professor Courtney Kipps, Honorary Consultant and Professor at UCL/UCLH, brings a strong academic and clinical background to the Board. He commented:
“For those who don’t already know me, I’m an Honorary Consultant and Professor (Teaching) of Sport and Exercise Medicine at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, UCL/UCLH, where I’m co-lead on the MSc programme in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health. I’m also a Deputy Medical Director at London Marathon Events, which includes the London Marathon and RideLondon amongst others. My research interests are focused on efforts to reduce injury and illness in mass-participation endurance events. I’m currently in my second term as an elected member of the FSEM Council, representing the Faculty in negotiations over impending CQC regulation of the Sports and Cultural sectors.
The new College represents an exciting turning point in SEM history, one that represents an opportunity to define and elevate our specialty across clinical, academic, and public health domains. With vision, collaboration, and strong leadership, the new College will help to define how sport, exercise, and health intersect across society, and I am very excited to help shape that future.”
Professor Dane Vishnubala – Vice-President
Professor Dane Vishnubala, Professor of SEM at the University of Leeds, shared his personal connection to the specialty and his hopes for the College:
“It is a real delight and privilege to serve as one of the two Vice Presidents of the College of Sport and Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine. My vision for the College comes from my own journey in sport and exercise medicine, a journey shaped by inspiring mentors, the joy of teaching, and the deep sense of belonging I’ve found in our community. Creating spaces where people can connect, share challenges, and celebrate successes together is extremely important to me. I believe we will thrive when we are connected, supported, and feel truly at home in our College. I look forward to working with colleagues to make our College feel like a home!”
Dr Polly Baker – Honorary Secretary
Dr Polly Baker, Consultant in SEM with experience across the NHS, MOD, elite sport, and private practice, expressed her enthusiasm for the role:
“I have been a Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine for 13 years and during that time have worked in many settings including the NHS, MOD, elite sport and private practice. I have throughout that time been a fellow of FSEM and a member of BASEM and have contributed through various means to each.
I am honoured to take up the role of Honorary Secretary and see this as an exciting opportunity to increase the awareness of Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine. I would like to emphasise its role in key areas such as healthcare, public health and sport.
I believe this is a chance to help raise the profile and recognition of our specialty, and to support the College in representing our field more widely. Finally, as membership lead, I look forward to supporting my team and contributing to the continued growth and strength of our community.”
Dr Sonia Bains – Honorary Treasurer
Dr Sonia Bains is a Consultant in Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine based in London, with clinical roles across private practice and elite sport. She also chairs Out of the Blocks, a peer support group for new consultants, which she has been involved with since its inception in 2020.
“I am honoured to introduce myself as the first Honorary Treasurer of the College of Sport and Exercise Medicine. It is a privilege to serve at this historic moment, as we establish a true home for our specialty.
My vision is for CSEM to be a multidisciplinary home where every member feels supported, connected, and proud to belong. As Treasurer, my priority is to ensure that robust and transparent financial systems underpin all that we do.
Together, we can build a confident, influential, and truly member-led College. I look forward to working with you all as we shape this exciting new chapter.”
Looking Ahead
The CSEM Board is united by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the continued growth of the specialty. This announcement marks another landmark moment as we progress towards a new College, one that will build on the legacy of FSEM and BASEM while forging a new and exciting path for the Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine specialty.
At a later date, upon which time the new CSEM Board are officially instated, there will be clear communication with CSEM members on the strategy, direction and vision of the new College.