The CASEM was developed because of specific medical problems presented at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico, and became officially incorporated on June 8, 1970. Since that time it has evolved from an organization providing medical care to elite athletes at international events to the leading source of information and expertise in the art and science of sport medicine.
The CASEM’s affairs are managed by a Board of Directors who are elected annually. The office is based in Ottawa. Operating costs are supported through membership fees, corporate sponsorship, fundraising activities and charitable donations (the CASEM is registered as a charitable organization.)
Our Mission Statement
Forge a Strong,
Collective Voice
Our mission is to forge a strong, collective voice for sport and exercise medicine; to be a leader in advancing the art and science of sport and exercise medicine, including health promotion and disease prevention, for the benefit of all Canadians.
What Is a Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician?
Sport and Exercise Medicine physicians have specialized training and skills (see PDF below) that position them to be caregivers for active patients of all ages. They have an interest in the promotion of lifelong wellness and fitness, as well as in prevention, diagnosis and management of illness and injury related or affecting sport and physical activity.
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How to Become a Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician?
Anyone with an interest in becoming a Sport and Exercise Medicine physician must first be a graduate of a recognized medical school. There are now routes through both medical colleges (College of Family Physicians of Canada and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) to obtain further training in Sport & Exercise Medicine in Canada (aka CAC and AFC respectively). The CASEM Diploma in Sport Medicine (Dip. Sport Med.) provides an additional internationally recognized certification over and above the CAC or AFC.
CASEM Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Dip. Sport Med.)
The Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) has developed a standardized and specific certification examination – the CASEM Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine. This internationally renowned clinical exam was introduced in 1989, and physicians who possess a Dip. Sport Med are held in the highest standards of accomplishments in Sport & Exercise Medicine.
It is the required certification for applications to national and international sport events as a team physician, as well as to many NSOs as a member of their medical team. The examination is a multi-stage OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation) administered annually through the Credentials Committee. Physicians who possess the Diploma in Sport Medicine can be identified by the nominal Dip. Sport Med.
Land Acknowledgement
CASEM head office sits on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg and the people of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation which encompasses the watershed of the Kitchissippi (Big River) now commonly known as the Ottawa River. We recognize all Indigenous people in the region, from all Nations across Canada, who have also made Ottawa their home. We recognize their enduring connection to this land and express our gratitude for the opportunity to be present in this territory. We commit to fostering respectful relationships and understanding the history and contributions of Indigenous communities in our ongoing journey toward reconciliation.