[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who would have thought at the start of lockdown that an audience of 22,000 people would be logging on to listen to 60 plus top class MSK speakers and have the ability to visit a virtual exhibition hall, all free of charge. But that’s exactly what happened on Friday 26th June.
Society Members had registered in their droves and Member Kate William’s talk was eagerly anticipated. Sadly the technology hadn’t catered for 2, 500 people trying to listen to her. However, 400 delegates did manage to overcome the technical gremlins to listen in to top advice on the evidence surrounding assessment techniques for hamstring injuries in Rugby players, both after injury and at the point of return to play. For those who battled in vain the good news is that Kate has kindly given us access to her talk which you can listen to HERE.
Society Chairman Professor Graham N. Smith took part in a panel session which looked to unravel the competency-based recruitment issues in MSK practice. It was a very positive session and the Chairman provided great context and reasoning around the skills, knowledge and abilities of a Graduate Member of the Society and their place in MSK, working as autonomous practitioners or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. It was a subject very close to him, having had an article published in BJSM on the topic, entitled ‘Same Label, Different Product. : time to review the hiring criteria for therapists in sport’. If you haven’t managed to read it, log on and you can find it HERE.
Honorary member Ann Green, who is Head of School Life Sciences at Coventry University chaired a session on the future of MSK placements. This session included Coventry graduate Emily Demosthenous who provided some great perspectives on the opportunities and areas where a Sports Therapy student can obtain MSK placement experience during a degree programme.
The Society’s virtual stand had a steady flow of engagement from members and other professionals throughout the day. Members of the University College Liaison Group (UCLG) and Communications group worked collaboratively throughout the day to answer questions and provide information on the Society. Members of the Communications group kept the Society’s Twitter and Instagram pages updated with information from talks that took place on a range of MSK topics. These are still available to view on both social media platforms.
Overall this was an excellent day of MSK related CPD. The Society was proud to be a partner of the event and be involved in both talks and panel discussions. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]