Meet Our Distinguished Experts

Prof. Fabio Pigozzi is a Full Professor and Director of the Internal Medicine Unit at the Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico." A distinguished expert in sports medicine, he also teaches Sport Therapy at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata.” His extensive research focuses on cardiovascular responses to exercise, sports epidemiology, nutrition, and anti-doping.

Prof. Pigozzi holds prominent roles, including Secretary General of the European and International Federations of Sports Medicine (EFSMA and FIMS), and serves on the IOC Medical Commission. He is also Chairman of several medical committees for Olympic and sports organizations, shaping policies and advancing global sports medicine.

Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis is a pioneering researcher and educator in sport and exercise science, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Sport, Physical Education, and Health at Hong Kong Baptist University. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has established world-class research programs, including the largest DNA biobank of elite athletes and school-aged children.

Prof. Pitsiladis's work focuses on the intersection of lifestyle, genetics, and human performance, with groundbreaking contributions to anti-doping research, funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He is an influential member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission and serves as Chair of the Scientific Commission of the International Sports Medicine Federation (FIMS).

A Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, he has published over 250 scientific papers and contributed to documentaries such as Kipchoge: The Last Milestone and Enhanced. With an impressive academic background from institutions like Aberdeen and Sheffield, Prof. Pitsiladis continues to drive innovation in sport science and athlete health.

Dr Mark Abela is a Cardiology registrar practicing at Mater Dei Hospital. He has finished specialty training in Cardiology and has undergone a fellowship in Sports Cardiology and Inherited Cardiac Conditions at St George's Hospital in London. His main academic and clinical interests are athletic cardiac adaptation, cardiac screening, inherited cardiac conditions and cardiac rehabilitation. He is a University of Malta Graduate, having obtained his MD in 2011. He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London and is also an MSc Graduate from the University of Edinburgh. He read for an MSc in Internal Medicine (University of Edinburgh) and an MSc in Sports Cardiology (St George's University, London). He is the lead clinical investigator for BEAT-IT, a national cardiac screening program in Maltese adolescents (athletes and non-athletes). He has been appointed as the official content reviewer of the 2020 ESC Position Paper on Sports Cardiology on behalf of the Maltese Cardiac Society. Member of the Malta Football Association Medical Committee; Member of the Medical Commission of the Maltese Olympic Committee;Member of the Aquatic Sport Association (Malta) Medical Committee.

Full Professor of Sports and Exercise Physiology

Faculty of Human and Social Sciences University of Wien, Austria

Institute of Sports Science Department of Sports and Exercise Physiology

Honorary president EFSMA

Vice president FIMS

Michala Bednáriková earned her master’s degree in psychology at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, with a thesis on critical situations coaches handle with athletes. She became the first FEPSAC-certified specialist in applied sport psychology in 2018. Currently Vice President of FEPSAC, she is also President of the Slovak Association of Sport Psychology. Michala works as an applied practitioner with athletes, parents, and coaches and delivers lectures and workshops for sport organizations. An active member of professional sport psychology organizations for nearly a decade, she served two terms as a Managing Council member of ENYSSP starting in 2011.

Maurizio Bertollo, PhD Sport Science, Psychologist and Psychoterapist is Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences at “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara. He is also Director of the Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics (BIND) Center, and serves in the Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences. A chartered psychologist and psychotherapist, he is the President of the European Federation of Sport Psychology (FEPSAC) His research explores psychophysiological mechanisms underpinning performance, stress recovery-balance in sport, and optimal functioning. He holds a PhD in Sport Sciences and advanced specializations in psychology and pedagogy.

Stefano Caselli, MD, PhD is a clinical cardiologist with a special interest in cardiovascular imaging, cardiomyopathies, and sports cardiology. He has been a nucleus member of the Sports Cardiology Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology 2016 - 2022. In 2018 he has co-chaired the joint European Association of Preventive Cardiology and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendation document on the use and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging in athletes and in 2020 has been Task Force Member of the ESC Guidelines on Sports Cardiology. In 2021 he has been awarded the “Viviane Conraads Outstanding Achievements Awards” from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology for his contribution in the field of sports cardiology and cardiac imaging.

Elena Cavarretta, MD, PhD is Associate Professor of Cardiology at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and Advenced Cardiovascular Therapies Unit, Banbino Gesu Children Hospital, Rome. Her scientific interests are related to sports and preventive cardiology, in particular, cardiovascular adaptation to exercise, the athlete's heart, echocardiography, cardiomyopathies, oxidative stress and microRNAs as biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases. At present, she is the elected secretary of the Sports Cardiology and Exercise nucleus and chair of the Prevention Implementation Committee of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology. She is Deputy Editor for European Heart Journal - Case Report for the Preventive Cardiology section and Deputy Editor for Minerva Cardiology Angiology.

Prof. Eliza CintezăMd, PhD is a distinguished pediatric cardiologist and academic, celebrated for her contributions to pediatric healthcare in Romania and her dedication to improving cardiovascular health in children and young athletes. A Doctor of Medicine with certifications in pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, and cardiology, she serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” in Bucharest, where she mentors future medical professionals.

As Secretary of the Pediatric Cardiology Working Group of the Romanian Society of Cardiology, Dr. Cinteză is deeply involved in advancing care for congenital and acquired heart diseases. She combines research, clinical expertise, and public health initiatives to promote heart health and optimize care for young patients, including athletes.

Prof. Adrian Covic, MD, PhD, is a distinguished nephrologist and professor of internal medicine, recognized internationally for his groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular complications in renal disease and chronic kidney care. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London and Edinburgh), ERA EDTA, and the European Society of Cardiology, he has advanced the field with over 450 peer-reviewed publications, 16 books, and 22 chapters, achieving an H-index of 48. Currently Prorector for Research at "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania, Prof. Covic also directs the Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplant Center. His leadership in global nephrology organizations like KDIGO and ERA EDTA exemplifies his commitment to education and innovation. Co-founder of Almedra Clinic, he ensures patient care is rooted in respect, empathy, and excellence.

Prof. Dr. Dana Craiu, MD, PhD, is a leading pediatric neurologist and a driving force in advancing epilepsy care and pediatric neurology in Europe. As Head of Pediatric Neurology at UMF "Carol Davila" Bucharest and the Clinical Neurology Section at Prof. Dr. Al. Obregia Psychiatry Hospital, she established Romania's first video-EEG laboratory in 2001 and spearheaded preoperative evaluations for successful epilepsy surgeries in children starting in 2006. Dr. Craiu holds key roles in the European Pediatric Neurology Society, including President of the European Training Board, and is an active member of international epilepsy and neurology organizations. With extensive expertise in neurophysiology, she has significantly contributed to education, clinical practice, and research in her field, earning recognition for her transformative impact on pediatric healthcare.

Prof Tome is a Consultant Cardiologist and Professor of Practice in Cardiology specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, management and counselling of inherited cardiovascular diseases and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. She graduated in 1996 in Madrid at UCM and trained as a cardiologist at Hospital de la Princesa, Madrid. She completed research for her PhD studies at St George's Medical School and UCL in London, funded by the SEC and BHF, in 2004. She became a full-time consultant cardiologist in Inherited cardiac conditions at UCLH in 2005, working at The Heart Hospital and GOSH. She has been working at St George's Hospital since 2015, where she leads specialized Inherited Cardiac Conditions clinics and is the cardiac lead of the Inherited aortic service. Her special interests include LVOTO, cardio-obstetrics, epidemiology and outcomes in cardiomyopathies, transition and adolescence care and genomic medicine.

Dr Gherardo Finocchiaro is a consultant cardiologist at St George's Hospital and Associate professor in Cardiology at St George’s University of London. He spent one year at Stanford University (CA, US), focusing his research on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and athlete’s heart, gaining a post-doctoral diploma. He subsequently specialised cardiovascular magnetic resonance at The Heart Hospital imaging center and at St George’s Hospital in London. Gherardo Finocchiaro has level 3 accreditation in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (EACVI) and is accredited in echocardiography by the British Society of Echocardiography. He completed a PhD at St George’s University of London focusing on sudden death in athletes, family screening in decedents of sudden death and physiological adaptation to exercise. Dr Finocchiaro won several awards and grants for his research and published several papers in highly ranked journals.

Full professor, MD, PhD, FCPC (SEM)

School of Rehabilitation Sciences/ Dip. Sport Mededicine (CASEM)

Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval Québec, QC, CANADA

Canadian Concussion Network

Alina Gherghişan is a leading expert in sports psychology with over 15 years of experience driving success for elite athletes, including Olympic and national teams. A PhD holder in Sports Science, she is a dynamic lecturer and sought-after trainer in sports psychology and pedagogy. As Welfare Officer for the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, Dr. Gherghişan champions athlete mental health, safeguarding, and performance optimization. Her innovative strategies have transformed athlete development and resilience, making her a trusted advisor to top sports organizations. Passionate and results-driven, she is committed to shaping the future of sports psychology on a global scale.

MD, PhD, Cardiologist, FSIC
Research Fellow - University of Padua, IT Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health EAPC Young Ambassador

Dr Katharina Grimm is the Medical Lead at the Federation Internationale de Football Associations (FIFA) where she directs all medical services planning and implementation at FIFA tournaments globally. She has held management and leadership positions in international elite sports since 2006, focussing on athlete health and performance. Before rejoining FIFA in 2021, she worked at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine hospital in Qatar. Katharina serves on the Union of European Football Associations’ Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors at the Stanford Centre for Sports Equity, CA, US.

Prof. Anca Mirela Ionescu, MD, PhD, is a visionary leader in sports medicine, shaping its development in Romania for over two decades. As Head of the Sports Medicine Discipline at UMF "Carol Davila" Bucharest and Secretary General of the European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), she has spearheaded advancements in athlete care, rehabilitation, and education.

Prof. Ionescu is the Medical Director of the Romanian Olympic Committee and Sports Medicine Director for UEMS. Her contributions include founding Romania's residency programs in sports medicine, leading groundbreaking research on cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise, and organizing international conferences. With an extensive portfolio of over 450 publications, numerous books, and innovative projects, Prof. Ionescu's visionary leadership has transformed sports medicine into a cornerstone of health and performance.

Prof. Anna Małgorzata Jegier is a renowned physician and academic, serving as Head of the Department of Sports Medicine at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. With a distinguished career spanning decades, she was President of the Polish Society of Sports Medicine (2005–2013) and is the current Vice President of the European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations. A pioneer in the study of cardiac and physical performance, Prof. Jegier has been recognized with prestigious national honors for her contributions to public health and sports medicine, inspiring innovation and excellence in athlete care and rehabilitation.

Prof. Ruxandra Jurcuț, MD PhD is a renowned specialist in cardiovascular genetics and cardio-oncology, with a focus on genetic cardiac diseases. She holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and is highly specialized in advanced echocardiography. As the Coordinator of the Rare Genetic Cardiovascular Diseases Expert Center at the “Prof. Dr. C.C. Iliescu” Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, she leads groundbreaking research and treatment in her field. Dr. Jurcuț is deeply committed to mentoring young doctors and is highly involved in the care of athletes with genetic heart conditions, combining expertise in both clinical practice and education.

Dr. Nicky Keay is a leading endocrinologist specializing in the vital connection between hormones, health, and athletic performance. A Cambridge University graduate, she works with athletes, dancers, and individuals navigating perimenopause and menopause to optimize their physical and mental potential. Dr. Keay is the author of Health Hormones and Human Potential, a comprehensive guide to hormone health, and is renowned for her research on REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). She applies cutting-edge science to provide personalized care, ensuring optimal performance at every stage of life. Dr. Keay also serves as a medical advisor to Scottish Ballet, blending her clinical expertise with a passion for empowering individuals. Her dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting well-being makes her a force in the field of sports and hormone health.

Mr. Vikas Khanduja is a leading orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation and arthroscopy. Based in the UK, he is an expert in managing complex hip and groin conditions, combining advanced surgical techniques with research-based care. As a co-chair of the ESSKA consensus, he is at the forefront of developing guidelines to optimize athlete recovery.

Executive Board for SICOT as Chair of the Education Academy

Associate Editor to the Bone and Joint Journal.

Prof. Elisaveta Kon MD,Phd is a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and global authority in sports medicine, bringing unparalleled expertise to the European Sports Medicine Congress. As a Full Professor at Humanitas University, Milan, and President of SIAGASCOT, she is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine and joint preservation. With over 250 published articles, leadership roles in international organizations like ICRS, and dynamic presentations at 400+ global events, Dr. Kon captivates audiences with her passion for innovation. Her dedication to transforming patient care and advancing orthopaedics makes her a must-see speaker at this year’s congress.

Dr. Margo Mountjoy, MD, PhD, FACSM, CAHS, is an internationally acclaimed sports medicine expert committed to athlete health, safety, and well-being. As a professor and researcher, she collaborates with leading organizations like FIFA, World Rugby, and the IOC, addressing critical issues such as mental health, REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), Safe Sport, and anti-doping. Dr. Mountjoy’s dedication to protecting athletes extends beyond her clinical practice, as she influences policies and promotes global advocacy for athlete welfare. She has pioneered educational initiatives and research programs that shape the future of sports medicine. With her extensive expertise and leadership, Dr. Mountjoy inspires the global sports and medical communities, driving progress in athlete care and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety in sport.

Dr. Mihai Niculescu is an internationally recognized pioneer in nutrigenetics and epigenetics. A graduate of Carol Davila University of Medicine, he completed his PhD at UNC Chapel Hill, where he discovered the impact of maternal choline deficiency on brain development through epigenetic changes. Dr. Niculescu has over 30 peer-reviewed publications, edited a book, and lectures globally on nutrition’s role in health. Founder of the Romanian Society of Nutrition Sciences, he has reviewed grants for leading organizations like NIH and the UK Medical Research Council. His work bridges genetics, nutrition, and health to advance personalized medicine and disease prevention.

Professor ( Associate) MD, PhD
"Carol Davila" University of Medicine & Pharmacy
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology – Clinical Hospital Filantropia

Research Fellow in Fetal medicine at the Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King’s College Hospital, London, UK (2016-2017)

Clinical Fellow in High-risk pregnancy in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University College Hospital London, UK (2014-2015)

Dr. Theodora Papadopoulou, MD, BSc, MSc, PhD, is a renowned sports medicine expert and orthopedic surgeon, specializing in hip and groin musculoskeletal health. As the Lead Consultant for Hip and Groin Rehabilitation at the UK Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, she directs pivotal programs like the Military Hip Rehabilitation Outcome Study.

Dr. Papadopoulou is a global leader, serving as Secretary General of EFSMA and an Executive Board Member of BASEM. Her extensive experience includes event medicine at the Olympics and Paralympics, alongside research championing exercise as a preventive tool for chronic diseases. An advocate for physical activity and athlete care, she inspires the next generation with her groundbreaking work in sports and rehabilitation medicine.

Dr. Athanasios Papavasiliou is a leading figure in the use of injection therapies for hip and groin pain. His expertise in non-surgical interventions provides athletes with effective solutions for pain management and recovery, bridging the gap between innovative research and clinical practice.

Shoulder & Hand Surgeon sub-specialized in reconstructive surgery and arthroplasty, shoulder arthroscopy and sports orthopaedics, Palliative Shoulder Surgery, Reconstructive Upper Limb and Brachial Plexus Surgery, Tendon Transfers, Microsurgery, Medical Education, Sports Orthopedics, 3D Surgical Planning, Patient-Specific Implants Profesional Memberships: ESSK, ESSKA-ESA , AGA , SECEC, SRATS (General secretary), SOROT , DGSP

Prof. Dr. Sandra Rozenštoka is a leading expert in Sports Medicine, Sports Physiology, and Exercise Medicine, specializing in physical activity for various diseases and injuries. Her research interests include sports cardiology, para-sports medicine, sports traumatology, and rehabilitation. Dr. Rozenštoka is the President of the Latvian Sports Medicine Society and serves on the Executive Committee of the European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA). She is also a certified educator in sports medicine and a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Federation of Sports Medicine. Her work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and gender equality.

Alexis Ruffault has a PhD in health psychology from Paris Descartes University (2017). He is a regular member of the French Society of Sport Psychology (SFPS) since 2010, and was elected to be part of the Managing Council since 2017. He currently works as a researcher in sport and health psychology at the French Institute of Sport (INSEP), in Paris. This position allows him to provide interventions aiming at training mental skills, but also to provide cognitive-behavior therapies to injured athletes. His work as a researcher focuses on the psychological aspects of sport injury, from prevention to impact to return to sport, as well as changing behaviors preventing injuries (e.g., warm-up, recovery, diet) using sociocognitive theory-based techniques.

Senior Lecturer in Performance Psychology

King's College London

The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Chartered Psychologist BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.

Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Sport Sciences

1. Long-term outcome analysis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
2. Comparative clinical outcomes following arthroscopic meniscal repair
3. Clinical management of posterolateral corner knee injuries
4. Quality of life in patients after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Dr. Georgia Sarquella Brugada is a distinguished pediatric cardiologist renowned for her expertise in arrhythmias, familial heart disease, and sudden cardiac death. As the Head of the Arrhythmia Unit at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, she leads advancements in pediatric electrophysiology (Coordinator of the European Reference Network ) and personalized therapies for genetic cardiac conditions.

With a medical degree and a PhD in Child Pathophysiology from the University of Barcelona, Dr. Sarquella Brugada has enriched her training with fellowships at Hôpital Sainte-Justine in Montreal and Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades in Paris. Her commitment to education is evident in her roles as an associate professor at the University of Girona and as a lecturer in Sports Medicine at the High-Performance Centre of Sant Cugat.

Dr. Sarquella Brugada's dedication to research is exemplified by her leadership of a group focused on pediatric arrhythmias, genetic cardiology, and sudden death, aiming to apply this knowledge to personalized patient therapies.

Dr. Kristof Sas is a highly respected sports medicine physician with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating upper and lower limb injuries in both athletes and non-athletes. Known for his expertise in ultrasound diagnostics and guided infiltrations, he specializes in managing acute knee sports injuries, including ligament tears, meniscus damage, and cartilage injuries, as well as degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.

Currently, Dr. Sas serves as the team physician for Royal Antwerp FC and a consultant in sports medicine in Brussels. Previously, he led the medical department of RSC Anderlecht, showcasing his expertise at the highest levels of professional sports. With a commitment to rapid and effective injury management, Dr. Sas continues to advance the field of sports medicine and athlete care.

Dr. Kirill Micallef Stafrace is a leading Sports and Exercise Medicine expert in Malta. He holds various roles, including SEM Consultant at Mater Dei Hospital, Associate Professor at Triagon Academy, and Deputy Chair of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS). He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta and a Board member of the European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA). Prof. Micallef Stafrace has extensive experience in sports medicine, having worked with Team Malta at Olympic, Commonwealth, and Mediterranean Games. His expertise spans MSK issues, exercise prescription, and Esports health and fitness, with a growing interest in Esports.

Prof. Dr. Anca Streinu-Cercel is a distinguished infectious diseases specialist with over a decade of expertise in clinical practice, academic teaching, and medical research. Serving as Co-President of the International Society of Regenerative Medicine and Surgery (ISRMS), she is a key advocate for advancements in infectious disease management and regenerative medicine. Dr. Streinu-Cercel holds esteemed positions at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” and the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where she mentors future medical leaders. With a prolific research portfolio, she is a member of leading international societies, contributing to the global fight against infectious diseases.

Prof. Dr. Radu Vătășescu is a renowned cardiologist specializing in arrhythmias, interventional electrophysiology, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. With extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing arrhythmias in athletes, he has made significant contributions to advancing cardiac care. A Fellow of the European Heart Rhythm Association (FEHRA), Dr. Vătășescu is also a member of the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology.

As an Associate Professor at "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, he combines academic leadership with practical expertise, having performed over 3,500 pacemaker and defibrillator implants and more than 4,470 radiofrequency ablations. Dr. Vătășescu is a trusted expert at Spitalul Clinic SANADOR, committed to delivering cutting-edge treatments and improving cardiovascular health for all, including elite athletes.

Dr Alan Vernec is a prominent figure in global sports medicine, serving as Medical Director of WADA since 2009. A passionate advocate for clean sport, Dr. Vernec brings decades of experience as a team physician for professional and national teams, including at three Olympic Games. At WADA, he leads anti-doping initiatives, shaping policies to protect athlete health and ensure fair competition worldwide. His commitment extends to educational programs, fostering understanding of anti-doping measures among athletes and medical professionals. Dr. Vernec’s expertise bridges the clinical and policy aspects of sports medicine, enabling him to collaborate effectively with international sports organizations. His leadership has been instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of sport while championing the well-being of athletes on a global scale.

Dr. Adam Weir is an expert in sports medicine with a particular focus on groin injuries in athletes. A sought-after speaker and researcher, his evidence-based approach to clinical examinations of the groin has set new standards in diagnosing and managing these complex injuries.