Overview
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games 2026, join us for the International Sports Surgery and Medicine Conference at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow or online.
Designed to fit around modern practice, the conference can be attended by single day or as a complete three‑day experience, allowing you to focus on the areas most relevant to your work, from surgical innovation and rehabilitation to concussion, biologics and long‑term athlete wellbeing.
You’ll leave with clear take‑home strategies you can apply immediately, plus the opportunity to connect in person with international faculty shaping athlete care worldwide.
✔ Attend 1, 2 or all 3 days
✔ In‑person or online
✔ 6 CPD per day
Short on time? Attend one focused day from £115 (Members) / £176 (Non‑members)
Or benefit from a discounted rate when attending the full three‑day programme.
Watch the video below with Conference Director, Professor Gordon Mackay, to find out more.
What happens on the day?
Choose the day that fits your practice, or attend all three days
Day one: Sports surgery and rehabilitation
For orthopaedic surgeons, sports surgeons, physiotherapists
A focus on surgical decision‑making, evolving techniques and rehabilitation strategies supporting effective return to play.
Day two: ACL, knee surgery and the female athletes
For surgeons, SEM physicians, rehabilitation professionals
Evidence‑based approaches to ACL injury, prevention, recovery and long‑term outcomes, with specific insight into the female athlete.
Day three: Sports medicine and athlete wellbeing
For SEM doctors, team physicians, GPs, allied health professionals
Practical updates on concussion, emergency response, biologics, recovery innovation and long‑term athlete health.
08.30 - 17.15
Welcome and Introduction
- Professor Gordon Mackay, Conference Director, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist, Conference Director, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist, President - InternalBrace International Study Group, Glasgow
- Peter Harcourt, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Advisor, Chair to the Anti-Doping and Medical Commission and the Executive Board
Session 1: Achilles Tendon Pathology in Running - Chair: Professor Bill Ribbans
- Surgical innovations in achilles tendon repair - Dr James McWilliam, Orthopaedic Surgeon, White Plains Hospital Physician Associates, New York
- Rehabilitation and return-to-play: Changing protocols after Internal Bracing - Dr Chris Coetzee, Specialist in foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma and sports medicine, Twin Cities, Minnesota
- Emerging Understanding of Achilles Tendon Pathology – Professor Neal Millar, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Science; Academic Shoulder Surgeon, University of Glasgow; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Athlete Case Study – John Jackson, British Olympic bobsleigh pilot who overcame Achilles rupture and went on to win Olympic bronze
- Panel session and Q&A
Session 2: Ankle Instability in Sport - Chair: Dr Chris Coetzee
- Surgical management of lateral ankle ligament injuries – Dr Bonnie Chien, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York‑Presbyterian, New York
- Multi ligament repair and augmentation of the ankle - Dr Cesar De Cesar Netto, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina
- Syndesmotic injuries: Diagnosis and management with InternalBrace and TightRope – Dr Norman Waldrop III, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, Alabama
- InternalBracing in high-demand environments, latest research Artelon vs InternalBrace update – Dr Kevin Martin, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Rehabilitation and return to sport after ankle instability – Adam Stokes, Specialist Physiotherapist
- Athlete case study and Panel Q&A: Claire Maxwell, Former Netball Scotland Captain
Session 3: Customised Surgery and Overuse Injuries in Golf - Anish Kadakia MD
- Development of a customised internally braced prosthesis for total talus replacement - Dr Markus Regauer, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Lead Physician, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth and SportOrtho Rosenheim, Bavaria
- Rehabilitation for high-performance golfers – Mr Stuart Barton, Former British Lions and Scotland Rugby Team Physio
- Athlete case study – Mr Paul Lawrie is a celebrated Scottish golfer best known for winning the 1999 Open Championship. He overcame significant ankle injury using customised Internal Bracing approach to return to competition.
- Panel session and Q&A
Session 4: Swimming – Shoulder Pathology and Joint Laxity - Alan Hirahara MD
- Surgical stabilisation of shoulder instability in swimmers – Mr Andrew Brooksbank, Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon, Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Management of AC joint instability – Dan Guttman MD, Director of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at Taos Orthopaedic Institute, New Mexico
- Preventing shoulder injuries: Training and screening - Jon Twynam, Lead Physiotherapist for Team Scotland, UK
Athlete case study – Kathleen Dawson is a European Champion swimmer who won gold in the 100m backstroke at the 2020 European Championships and has represented Team GB at the Olympic Games.
Ross Murdoch is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World Champion breaststroker, winning 200m breaststroke gold at Glasgow 2014 and the 100m title at the 2015 World Championships.
Session 5: Joint Resurfacing in Elite Athletes - Professor Dominic Meek
- Minimising surgical trauma in hip replacement – Dr Kristian Kley, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthoprofis, Hannover; also consulting at Fitzrovia Hospital, London
- Hip resurfacing: Indications and outcomes in athletes – Professor Dominic Meek, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Honorary Professor, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow; University of Glasgow
- Athlete Perspective and Q&A Panel Discussion – Surprise Guest Athlete
- Discussion: Led by Prof Adrian Wilson, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon; Knee Osteotomy specialist, Orthopaedic Innovation/Phoenix Hospital Group/Harley Street Clinics
- Close: From injury to the open road - Professor Gordon Mackay, Conference Director, teams up with Award Winning Film Director Martyn Robertson who provides a unique insight in to the making of Scotland’s Award- Winning Documentary – ‘Make it to Munich’. Ethan Walker, the Athlete and Star of the movie will join him on stage.
Evening Programme
- Networking and light refreshments at 18.00 at the College
- Cinema Screening at The Glasgow Film Theatre: 'Make it to Munich' at 19.30 at Glasgow Film Theatre
08.30 - 17.30
Keynote Lecture: Legacy and Innovation in Surgery - Chair: Mr Drummond Mansbridge
- A tribute to Sir William MacEwen – pioneer of the osteotome, Erskine knee brace, and surgical antisepsis - Professor Adrian Wilson, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon; Knee Osteotomy specialist, Orthopaedic Innovation/Phoenix Hospital Group/Harley Street Clinics
Session 1: Alignment, Stability and Injury Management in Judo - Chair: Walter Lowe MD
- Fixed Posterior Draw in the PCL Deficient Knee – More Common than Previously Thought? - Prof Dr Karl-Heinz Frosch, Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg/University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf
- Neuromuscular Training Programmes for Knee Stability and ACL Injury Risk Reduction in Combat Sports – Professor Kate Webster, Professor La Trobe University, Scientist and Sports Medicine Researcher, Australia
- Case study: Sam Ingram – Case study introduced by Professor Gordon Mackay and open to discussion - Sam Ingram is a British Paralympic Judo competitor who shares his experience of ACL recovery.
Session 2: Thumb & Elbow UCL Injury in Basketball – Surgical Frontiers and Functional Return - Chair: Mr Kim Chan
- Surgical innovation in UCL reconstruction and internal bracing – Dr Alan Hirahara, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine, Sacramento Orthopedic Center/Sutter Medical Center, California
- Thumb dislocations: Innovative surgical and rehabilitation approaches - Mr Kim Chan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, UK
Session 3: Management of ACL Injuries for the Female Athlete - Chair: Professor Gordon Mackay
- Introduction and scope of the problem – Professor Kate Webster, Professor La Trobe University, Scientist and Sports Medicine Researcher, Australia
- The role of the InternalBrace in ACL repair – Dr Patrick Smith, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine; Adjunct Professor, Columbia Orthopaedic Group; University of Missouri
- Lower limb alignment and ACL rupture risk – Dr Kristian Kley, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthoprofis, Hannover and Fitzrovia Hospital, London
- The Athlete’s ACL Experience – Gracie Holmes, Elite Academy Soccer player and Cyprus International shares her experience of the lows of ACL injury at the age of 15, her inspiring experience and return to play.
- Anterolateral ligament augmentation – Options to reduce ACL re-rupture – Mr William Wilson, Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon, Glasgow
- ACL reconstruction with the InternalBrace - Dr Patrick Smith, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine; Adjunct Professor, Columbia Orthopaedic Group; University of Missouri
- Quadriceps Tendon as a Graft – Indications & Outcomes – The Evidence - Justin Mitchell, Sports Medicine Surgeon, specialising in sports surgery of knee, shoulder and hip in Wisconsin
- ACL injury prevention strategies in female sport – Dr Edoardo Monaco, Associate Professor of Orthopaedics; Knee/ACL Surgeon, Sapienza University of Rome/Sant’Andrea Hospital and Dr Alessandro Carrozzo, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Assistant Professor, Link Campus University; clinical work in Rome
- Return-to-Sport Testing and Readiness Criteria Following ACL Reconstruction – Professor Kate Webster, Professor La Trobe University, Scientist and Sports Medicine Researcher, Australia
- ACL and Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fracture - Prof Dr Karl-Heinz Frosch - Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg/University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf
- Re-injury risk and long-term OA risk in female athletes – Dr Walter Lowe, Chair and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, UTHealth Houston; affiliated with Houston Methodist/Memorial Hermann
- The canine ACL experience – Lessons from veterinary science – Professor Dr Antonio Pozzi, Professor of Small Animal Surgery, University of Zurich and Dr Sean Murphy Veterinary Surgeon, WestVet Boise, Idaho
- Case Study and Panel Session Q&A – Gracie Holmes, Professor Kevin Farmer Chief of Sports Medicine at the University of Florida and Gracie Holmes Elite Academy Soccer player and Cyprus International
Session 4: Track and Field – Integrating Podiatric and Biological Methods to Accelerate Recovery - Chair: Professor Neal Millar
- Podiatric considerations in running – Mandy Abbott, Senior Lecturer and Professional Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University and Advanced Podiatrist at Hampden Sports Clinic
- Nutritional support in healing – Rob Harrison, Vice President Commercial Operations, NUO Therapeutics, Inc. Florida
- Stem cells and beyond – Dr Konrad Slynarski, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Warsaw Poland
- Panel session and Q&A
- Closing statement: InternalBrace International Consensus Study Group - Dr Tom DeBerardino, Division Chief, Sports Medicine, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas. Breaking New Ground – The Internal Brace International Consensus Study Group unveils key findings set to transform sports surgery, rehabilitation and patient care
Optional evening programme
Post-Conference reception from 17.30 at the College
08.30 - 17.00
Keynote Lecture: Legacy and Innovation in Surgery
- The Role of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in global surgical advancement - Professor Hany Eteiba, President of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Associate Medical Director; Interventional Cardiologist; Honorary Professor, NHS Golden Jubilee; University of Glasgow
Session 1: Emergency Response and Athlete and Long-Term Brain Health - Chairs: Dr Emma Lunan and Dr John MacLean
- Case study: Ethan Walker - Professor Gordon Mackay, Conference Director, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist, President - Internal Brace International Study Group and Ethan Walker shares his inspiring journey from a life-threatening injury as a 17-year-old soccer scholar in New York. His survival is testament to the importance of emergency and critical car, having been evacuated by helicopter after being struck by a car, walking back to college. He survived head injury, multiple fractures and a limb threatening knee dislocation. Innovative technology helped him to regain mobility but his inspirational approach to rehabilitation was so remarkable that they made a movie about it.
- Pitch-side emergency care: Scotland's contribution to world football – Dr Jonny Gordon, Consultant in Emergency Medicine/Sports Medicine Doctor; Chief Medical Officer, Scottish FA; Sportscotland institute of sport
- Do human factors influence optimal player care? – Dr Kevin Thomson, Emergency Medicine Consultant, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
- Understanding repetitive head trauma in sport – Dr Willie Stewart, Consultant Neuropathologist, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and University of Glasgow
- What’s new in concussion management: FIFA's approach - Dr Jonny Gordon, Consultant in Emergency Medicine/Sports Medicine Doctor; Chief Medical Officer, Scottish FA; Sportscotland institute of sport
- Discussion: Cultural change and the duty of care - Professor Bill Ribbans, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Sports Medicine, Northampton
Session 2: Multi-Ligament Knee Injury – From Chaos to Coordination - Chair: Prof Kevin Farmer
- Staged surgery with graft vs primary repair in multi-ligament knee dislocation – Karl-Heinz Frosch, Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg/University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf
- The role of internal bracing in complex knee injury – Dr Tom DeBerardino, Division Chief, Sports Medicine, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas
- Psychological and Functional Readiness for Return to Sport Following Multi-Ligament Knee Injury – Professor Kate Webster, Professor La Trobe University, Scientist and Sports Medicine Researcher
- Panel discussion: Surgical strategy, outcome and recovery pathways
Session 3: Complementary Interventions and the Future of Recovery - Chair: Dr Emma Lunan
- A cautionary tale – van Persie – Professor Bill Ribbans, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Sports Medicine, Northampton
- Ortho-biologics in muscle and ligament healing – Dr Konrad Slynarski, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Warsaw Poland
- Advances in chondral cartilage repair - Professor Graeme Hopper, Consultant orthopaedic knee surgeon, Glasgow
- Platelet-rich plasma and cell-based therapies – Dr Jim McWilliam, Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, White Plains Hospital Physician Associates Montefiore Einstein, White Plains, New York
- The Role of AI Innovation in Injury Surveillance and Improving Outcomes - Professor David Lowe, Honorary Professor, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
- Panel session and Q&A – Moderators: Dr Markus Regauer, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Lead Physician, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth & SportOrtho Rosenheim, Bavaria and Dr Andrew Murray, Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine. Director of Events for World & European Athletics and Golf, Chief Medical Officer for DP World Tour & Ladies European Tour.
Session 4: Looking Forward – Technology, Heritage and Health for All - Chair: Dr John MacLean
- Monitoring and Supporting the Injured Athlete’s Mental Health - Dr Carrie McCrea, CMO Team Scotland, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine
- The realities of innovation - Jodie Sinclair - The founder of Theo Health, whose work is shaped by her own experience of injury, driving innovation in smart clothing
- The value of exercise for all – from golf to bowling - Dr Andrew Murray, Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine. Director of Events for World & European Athletics and Golf, Chief Medical Officer for DP World Tour & Ladies European Tour
- Scotland’s Summer of Sport and Commonwealth Games Health Legacy - Jennifer Love - Head of Strategy & Communications, Active Scotland
- Closing tribute – Prof Stewart Hillis Lecture: Sport, Medicine and Surgery – Scotland’s global legacy - Dr Andrew Massey, Dr Massey is FIFA Medical Director and will deliver the Prof Stewart Hillis Lecture, a fitting tribute to a mentor who played a key role in shaping his career. Arriving directly from the FIFA World Cup Final, he brings the most current insights from the global game to close the conference.
- Closing statement and thank you
Screening: Make it to Munich
Join us for a special evening event featuring Make it to Munich, the inspiring true story of Ethan Walker, who embarks on an extraordinary journey to cycle from Scotland to Germany with filmmaker Martyn Robertson and surgeon Prof Gordon Mackay for Scotland’s opening match against Germany in Euro 2024. This is just nine months after Ethan suffers a life altering accident.
The screening will offer the opportunity for a Q&A session with those closely involved in the making of this extraordinary documentary.
The story connects directly to the topics explored throughout the conference, reinforcing key discussions on overcoming challenges, striving for excellence, and the pursuit of innovation in sports.
Why attend?
• Connect and reflect: share this unique experience with fellow delegates.
Venue: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Date and time: Monday 20 July 2026, 19.30
Pre-screening: Join us for pre-screening networking and refreshments at the College from 18.00
Post-Conference Reception:
Join us at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for a special reception. Celebrate the rich history of the city and College with access to rarely seen heritage collections, all while networking with fellow attendees.
Book now
Delegates can choose to book individual days or attend the full three‑day programme at a discounted rate. View the fees below and secure your place.
Book nowKey information
Delegates can choose to book individual days or attend the full three‑day programme at a discounted rate.
Member: £115 (individual day)
Member: £276 (all days)
Non-member: £176 (individual day)
Non-member: £423 (all days)
Click the 'Book now' button below and either create a free account or log in.
Book nowWho is this conference for?
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Particularly those specialising in sports injuries, arthroscopy and joint preservation.
- Sport and exercise medicine physicians
- Experts in non-surgical management of athletic injuries and performance optimisation.
- Podiatrists and Podiatric medicine specialists
- Physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists
- Focused on post-operative care, injury prevention and return-to-play strategies.
- Athletic trainers and sports therapists
- Working directly with athletes in professional, amateur or youth sports settings.
- Performance coaches
- Interested in injury prevention, load management and rehabilitation protocols.
- Healthcare managers and policy makers
- Overseeing sports medicine services, surgical innovation or health system integration.
- Professional sports organisations
- Including medical teams from clubs, national teams and Commonwealth Games committees.
Exhibit with us
This conference is open to exhibitors, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase products and services, engage with a targeted professional audience, and build useful connections. To secure your space, please contact the event coordinator.
Learning outcomes
By attending this conference you can expect to learn:
Meet the committee
Professor Gordon Mackay
As the inventor of the Internal Brace technique, Professor Mackay has played a key role in developing a globally adopted gold standard that has transformed ACL surgery and supported natural healing in appropriate cases. Professor Mackay is President and Founder of the Internal Brace International Study Group.
Dr Emma Lunan
Extensive experience within elite sport includes serving as medical officer for Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Team Scotland at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and a range of youth Olympic events.
Clinical work spans multiple sports, alongside a role as a contract sports doctor at the Scottish Institute of Sport and previous experience as team doctor for the Scottish Women’s National Football Team.
Dr John Maclean
Experience in major multi‑sport events includes serving on the medical teams for five Commonwealth Games, two Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championships, and acting as Chief Medical Officer for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Current roles include membership of the medical services team for the 2026 Games and positions with the Commonwealth Sports Anti‑Doping and Medical Commission, UEFA, the ICC, FIFA, UKAD and Sportpromote.
Mr William Wilson
Mr William Wilson is a consultant orthopaedic knee surgeon with a specialist interest in sports injuries, dual qualified in trauma and orthopaedics and sport and exercise medicine.
He treats patients from those with arthritic knee pain to international level athletes and has been team doctor for the Irish Football Association, acting as head of medical at the UEFA European Championship Finals.
His PhD in biomedical engineering focused on functional outcomes of ACL surgery, with widely published research on ACL reconstruction, ACL repair and the Internal Brace technique.
Attending the conference
This event is both in-person and online. That means you get the chance to join us either at the College in Glasgow or your own home.
Coming to the College: For those joining us in Glasgow, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, as well as lunch prepared by our award-winning chefs.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is conveniently located in Glasgow City Centre, within easy reach of major train stations, motorways and airports. Hotel and parking discounts can be accessed after booking.
Find out more about the best way to get to us.
Attending online: If you’re joining us remotely, details of how to dial in and any other information you need will be provided to you just before the date of the conference.
If you’ve not received your joining instructions by the date of the conference, please reach out to the event coordinator. Their details can be found on this page.
Claiming your CPD
This conference offers 6 CPD per day, A collective total of 18 CPD credits can be claimed if all three days are attended. This can be claimed via your College account. CPD points will be available after the conference as well as recordings of any sessions you missed. You can download your digital CPD certificate from your College account.
If you have any questions about claiming your CPD points, our Education team are happy to help.
Why attend?
"Join us in Glasgow, where world-class sport meets cutting-edge science, to shape the future of athlete health and performance. Experience the energy of the Commonwealth Games and connect with the people redefining sports medicine on a global stage."
Dr Emma Lunan
"With a varied programme of presentations from an expert, worldwide faculty, there is something for all of us who work with sportsmen and women and is an excellent curtain raiser for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games."
Dr John Maclean
"The diverse but purposefully focused scientific content provides learning opportunities for a wide range of clinicians to hear from international leaders in the field and to meet with them to discuss established techniques and recent innovations."
Mr William Wilson
Gallery
A look back at our previous conferences at the College.
Frequently asked questions
Over the course of three dynamic days, global leaders in sports surgery, sport and exercise medicine, and rehabilitation will come together to deliver practical insights aimed at advancing athlete care, accelerating recovery and optimising performance.
This three-day conference takes place on 20–22 July 2026 at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow or online. You are welcome to attend one, two or all three days of the conference.
The conference is designed for a multidisciplinary audience involved in the care, performance and recovery of athletes at all levels. This includes orthopaedic surgeons, sports and exercise medicine physicians, general practitioners, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists, athletic trainers and sports therapists, performance coaches, professional sports organisations, and healthcare managers and policy makers.
There are many topics that will be covered in the conference such as ankle instability in sport, surgical and conservative ACL management for the female athlete, head trauma, concussion and long-term brain health. To see the full list of topics covered, please see the programme.
Yes, this conference provides 6 CPD per day. This means that you can collect up to 18 CPD by attending all three days.
Yes, international delegates can attend the Glasgow conference by joining us in person or online. If you’re joining us remotely, details of how to dial in and any other information you need will be provided to you just before the date of the conference.
Thank you to our sponsors
Platinum:
Silver:
Bronze:
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the coordinator. Their details can be found below.
