Doctors tackle health issues - and each other

Medical experts from as far away as Brazil, Canada, Ireland and Mexico are set to arrive to kick health goals of a much different kind as well as address issues that could improve lives across the world.

They will compete in the 2024 World Medical Football Championships, held in conjunction with the 28^th International Symposium of Medicine and Health in Sport from July 22-27.

The Australian teams are aptly called the Docceroos and Medtildas.

The yearly international event sees medical doctors from different countries invited to play against one another in a competitive football (soccer) tournament, exchange scientific knowledge and insight at the Symposium and take part in a calendar of social activities.

As part of the Symposium, speakers from all over the world will address ocular trauma, sport hernia, post-concussion syndrome, the critical role of sleep in athletic performance and ACL prevention in women.

This promises to bring a significant influx of international visitors and substantial economic benefits to the Sunshine Coast region.

First held in Barcelona in 1995, this unique championship, which combines the passion for football with the dedication of healthcare professionals, is more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of global unity, professional camaraderie and community engagement.

The Championship is intended for medical personnel only. Players must hold a university degree in human medicine and be working – or entitled to work – as a medical doctor in their country.

2024 World Medical Football Championships

The event will see more than 1,000 athletes in 40 teams across both men’s and women’s divisions from 18 nations lacing up their boots at the Maroochydore Football Club, Kulin, with the International Symposium held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.

The Docceroos and Medtiladas have the home advantage, and prior training camps on the Sunshine Coast through May and June this year see the teams in strong positions to win the championships.

28^th International Symposium of Medicine

The conference covers a number of themes over the six days, including Trauma and Sports Medicine, Medicine and Surgery, Health of Women in Sport and Lifestyle Medicine.

Lead event organiser Dr Jack Gilpin said when they volunteered to host this event, they immediately thought of the Sunshine Coast as the perfect location to showcase Australia to the world.

“The combination of sporting and healthcare facilities were ideal for the event along with a backdrop of the amazing scenery of the Coast,” Dr Gilpin said.

“We are so excited for this event as we welcome the Women’s Cup to the competition for the first time.

“We are so grateful to the Sunshine Coast Council for their help and support as we welcome the world to the Sunshine Coast.”

Rolling out the welcome mat

Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said the long running event was a great win for the Sunshine Coast, drawing international medical professionals to the region through football.

“Our region is recognised as a leading outdoor events destination and we are proud to host this long-running football tournament,” Cr Landsberg said.

“It will attract international visitors from Brazil, Canada, Ireland and Mexico to name a few, as well as Australians from across the country.

“We are on a roll with important events, with the Sunshine Coast scheduled to host preliminary football matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium as a co-host of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We also felt this was a good fit for the region, as we continue focus on developing our Health Precinct.

“What better way to drive interest and showcase what we have, and what we want to build for the future.”

Cr Landsberg said healthcare was now the largest industry on the Sunshine Coast so it was wonderful to have the leading minds from across the world come together here to celebrate medicinal advancement.

“If any medical professionals attending the event are looking for a fantastic lifestyle and a region with huge potential, there are billions of reasons why the Sunshine Coast is a wise choice for health industry businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs to set-up shop,” he said.

Development of the Health Precinct will contribute $3.2 billion to the Sunshine Coast economy and $447 million each year after completion.

The precinct is anchored by the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast Health Institute and Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and incorporates the adjacent Health Hub, Vitality Village and surrounding Birtinya Town Centre offering prime investment opportunities.

The Sunshine Coast University Hospital is a tertiary teaching hospital and together with the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, boasts world-class research facilities and advanced medical training.