Front Line to Finish Line: an SEM Essentials Podcast by FSEM

Understanding Exertional Heat Illness with Dr Ross Hemingway OBE

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Ross Hemingway OBE, a leading expert in exertional heat illness, to explore the causes, risks, and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.
As the autumn marathon season winds down and athletes prepare for warmer events, Ross shares his deep insights from years of experience treating amateur, elite, and tactical athletes. From personal stories to practical advice, this conversation covers everything from early recognition and rapid cooling to long-term rehabilitation and prevention strategies. 
About Ross
Ross has extensive experience in managing amateur, elite and tactical  athletes with exertional collapse. He is a national expert in the prevention, acute management and rehabilitation of patients with exertional heat illness ( EHI). He is passionate about reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with EHI.
He is a founding member of the UK Heat Illness Advisory Group and is an author of the UK National Consensus Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care guidelines on EHI. 
Ross is an Honorary Senior lecturer in Sports Medicine at Exeter University and Match Day Doctor for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby  and Rugby Football Union. 
Ross was awarded the OBE in the 2023 King’s New Year’s Honours List  ‘For services to the Royal Marines’.
Links
View the position statement - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/position-statement/exertional-heat-illness-consensus-statement/

Pars Injury in Sport with Dr Jonathan Houghton

In this episode of Front Line to Finish Line, we’re joined by Dr Jon Houghton, Consultant in Rheumatology and Sports Medicine at Fortius Clinic, and Chief Medical Officer for the FA of Wales and Surrey County Cricket Club. With extensive experience across elite football, rugby, and cricket, Jon takes us through the full journey of managing pars injuries.
We start with the basics, what a pars fracture is and how it presents, before diving into risk factors, prevention strategies, imaging techniques, and initial medical management. Jon also shares insights on rehabilitation principles, return-to-play timelines, and the use of anabolic bone agents like teriparatide. Whether you're new to pars injury management or working in elite sport, this episode offers practical guidance and expert perspective on one of the most challenging spinal injuries in athletes.

Strategy and Leadership in Healthcare with Andrew Cuff

In this exciting new episode, physiotherapist Claire Speer is joined for the first time by her new co-host, Dr Ed Appleby! Together, they welcome Andrew Cuff, Consultant Physiotherapist, Clinical Director at Cora Health, and Council Member for the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Andrew shares his remarkable journey from military service to clinical leadership, offering insights into the future of MSK services, healthcare strategy, and the evolving role of allied health professionals.
We explore topics such as
Andrew’s transition from the military and its influence on his leadership style
The future structure of MSK services in the NHS
The value and future of Diplomate Membership within FSEM and the proposed new college
Whether you're a clinician, a leader in healthcare, or simply curious about the forces shaping MSK care, this episode is a must-listen.

Workforce Planning: SEM Commissioning in Practice

Join us for a special episode of the Front Line to Finish Line podcast series, coming in the form of a recent Out of the Blocks webinar, with the discussion led by Dr. Imran Sajid.
 
Dr. Sajid is Musculoskeletal & Diagnostics Clinical Lead for NHS NW London and GPwER in Musculoskeletal Medicine and also serves as the Clinical Lead (MSK and Diagnostics) for the Northwest London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups.
 
This session explores strategic approaches to SEM (Sport and Exercise Medicine) commissioning, its real-world impact, and practical implementation. Dr Sajid is supported by Dr Lesley Perkins and members of both the Faculty's Workforce Planning Group and Out of the Blocks Committee.
 
Learn more about workforce planning - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/workforce-planning/

Aquatic Therapy with Sarah Wratten

In this episode of Front Line to Finish Line, we dive into the world of aquatic therapy with leading expert Sarah Wratten. With over 27 years of experience as an aquatic physiotherapist, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation. She shares what aquatic therapy is, how it works, and why it’s such a powerful tool in rehabilitation, from easing pain and improving mobility to supporting recovery across a wide range of conditions.
Sarah has worked across the NHS, private sector, and Ministry of Defence, where she served as Clinical Aquatic Therapy Lead for a decade. She’s treated everyone from individuals with no active movement to elite athletes, and her expertise spans musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatological, orthopaedic, and sports injuries.
As Chair of the Aquatic Therapy Association for Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and a tutor teaching aquatic therapy in the UK and abroad, Sarah is a true champion of personalised, effective, and enjoyable rehab in the water.
Whether you're a clinician, athlete, or someone on a recovery journey, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of how the pool can be a game-changer in rehab.
Pinder Aquatic Physiotherapy - https://www.pinderaquaticphysio.co.uk/aquatic-physiotherapy

SEM Best Practice: Navigating Your Professional Code with Dr. Rod Jaques

In this episode, Claire speaks to Dr. Rod Jaques, Past President of the Faculty, to explore the latest updates to the FSEM Professional Code. We discuss the key changes, why they matter, and how they help SEM practitioners uphold the highest standards of care. From ethical decision-making to best practices in athlete welfare, Dr. Jaques shares valuable insights on navigating complex challenges in SEM. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this conversation will provide essential guidance on maintaining integrity, professionalism, and excellence in your practice.

MSK Ultrasound and injections with Chris Myers

Welcome to another episode of Front Line to Finish Line, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of sport and exercise medicine. Our host Claire Speers speaks to fellow physiotherapist Chris Myers, a highly experienced and specialised physiotherapist in musculoskeletal medicine and sports injuries. Chris has over 20 years’ experience of treating both adults and children, working in elite sport, private practice and in the NHS, and currently splits his time between Complete Physio, elite sport and lecturing. 
In this episode, we’ll explore how MSK ultrasound is revolutionising diagnostics, the role of injections in treatment, and how these techniques can enhance recovery for athletes and active individuals alike. 
Chris Meyers - https://complete-physio.co.uk/team/chris-myers/
 
 
 
 

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) with Dr Margo Mountjoy

We return in 2025 with a fascinating discussion about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, better known as RED-S. Joining Ralph and Claire for this episode is Dr Margo Mountjoy, a sports medicine clinician scientist from Canada. Margo has an international focus at the elite level of sport extends from scientific research to knowledge translation, policy development, advocacy, and prevention.
In this episode, we talk all things RED-S, explaining what it is, gender differences, elite and amateur sport differences, what to look for and where to find available resources on RED-S.
Learn more about Margo - https://margomountjoy.com/