Meet Our Distinguished Experts

Fabio Pigozzi

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.

Yannis Pitsiladis

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.

Michala Bednáriková

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

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.

Eliza Cinteză

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.

Adrian Covic

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.

Dana Craiu

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.

Alina Gherghişan

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.

Per Hölmich

Prof. Per Hölmich is an internationally recognized authority in sports orthopaedics and expert in Hip/Groin Injuries. With extensive experience as a clinician, researcher, and educator, he has authored numerous landmark studies shaping the field. His insights into simplifying the complexities of hip and groin pain continue to guide practitioners worldwide.

Anca Mirela Ionescu

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.

Anna Małgorzata Jegier

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.

Ruxandra Jurcuț

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.

Nicky Keay

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.

Vikas Khanduja

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.

Elisaveta Kon

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.

Margo Mountjoy

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.

Mihai Niculescu

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.

Michael Papadakis

Prof. Michael Papadakis , MD, PhD is a leading cardiologist specializing in sports cardiology, preventive cardiology, and inherited cardiac conditions. A Professor of Cardiology at St George's, University of London, and an Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular health in athletes and active individuals.

With a stellar academic background, including an MBBS from Imperial College London and an MD (Res) from King’s College London, Prof. Papadakis has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and led transformative projects, such as developing the European sports cardiology curriculum and ECG criteria for athlete evaluation.

As the current President of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, he launched the UK’s first MSc in Sports Cardiology and consults for organizations like Cardiac Risk in the Young, the Rugby Football Union, and the English Institute of Sport. An acclaimed speaker at global conferences, Prof. Papadakis continues to inspire and shape the future of heart health in sports and beyond.

Theodora Papadopoulou

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.

Athanasios Papavasiliou

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.

Sandra Rozenštoka

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

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.

Georgia Sarquella Brugada

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.

Kristof Sas

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.

Kirill Micallef Stafrace

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.

Jürgen M. Steinacker

Prof. Dr. Jürgen M. Steinacker is a leading figure in sports and rehabilitation medicine, heading the Division of Sports- and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Ulm. A specialist in internal medicine, cardiology, and sports medicine, he is celebrated for his research on training effects, molecular biology of skeletal muscle, and chronic inflammation. As Chair of the European Initiative for Exercise in Medicine, he champions exercise as a cornerstone of health. His leadership in the statewide “Join the Healthy Boat” program and his roles with WADA and global societies highlight his dedication to advancing health through movement.

Anca Streinu-Cercel

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.

Kristian Thorborg

Prof. Kristian Thorborg is a globally recognized physiotherapist and researcher specializing in hip and groin rehabilitation. His work on clinical examination protocols for the hip has advanced the understanding and treatment of these injuries, making him a trusted expert in sports medicine and physiotherapy.

Radu Vătășescu

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.

Alan Vernec

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.

Adam Weir

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.