Post by Monica Raviraj

I recently completed my Sports & Exercise Medicine Elective in Australia across Brisbane and Sydney, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my medical training. I spent three weeks at Brisbane Sports & Exercise Medicine Clinic (BSEMS) with Dr Matt Hislop and his team, gaining experience in clinic and working pitch-side alongside the medical teams for the Queensland Thunderbirds and Brisbane Broncos Women's NRL team. I then spent three weeks in Sydney at Eastern Suburbs Sports Medicine Clinic (ESSMC) with Dr Andrew McDonald, where I worked alongside the South Sydney Rabbitohs medical team. This included attending training sessions throughout the week and travelling with the team for their away match against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. The opportunity to learn from such experienced Sports & Exercise Medicine physicians and to see the care of elite athletes both in clinic and on game day has further strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in SEM. A huge thank you to Dr Matthew Hislop, Dr Andrew McDonald, and everyone at BSEMS and ESSMC for your generosity, mentorship and warm welcome. I'm incredibly grateful for the experience and hope to be back in Australia again very soon! I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SPORT AND EXERCISE MEDICINE for awarding me the 2026 BASEM Undergraduate Elective Award, which made this incredible opportunity possible. I am extremely grateful for their support in helping medical students pursue their interests in Sports & Exercise Medicine and gain valuable international clinical experiences.