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- Talk
- 19/09/2023
- UK
Ethical Dilemmas for the Medical Team in Elite Sport
Description
The talk is given by Dr. Jonathan Korgaonkar, a team physician, reflecting on the unique challenges faced in sports medicine, particularly within football clubs. He highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in athlete care, detailing the numerous professionals involved in managing player health. Dr. Korgaonkar discusses the inherent conflict of interest that arises when a team physician's duty to the athlete intersects with their employment by the club. He emphasizes the complexity of maintaining athlete confidentiality, especially when athletes wish to keep their health issues private from coaches and team management.
The presentation covers the multifaceted approach needed in handling player injuries, including the consultation with various external medical experts and the ethical dilemmas that arise from the timing and decisions of treatment options. This includes the management of performance-enhancing drugs, the protocols surrounding injuries such as concussions, and the need for clear communication between medical staff, players, and coaching teams.
Dr. Korgaonkar narrates scenarios demonstrating the pressure of decision-making in high-stakes environments, capturing the urgency and intricacies of assessing player well-being amidst competition. Furthermore, he underscores the significance of comprehensive documentation to protect both the physician and athlete in case of disputes or complications that may arise. Overall, he calls for a strong ethical foundation, stressing that clear communication, trust-building, and respect for athlete confidentiality are vital for effective health management in professional sports.