Ironman Sports Medicine Conference

Royal Kona Resort on The Big Island of Hawaii October 5-9, 2008

Royal Kona Resort on The Big Island of Hawaii October 5-9, 2008.

Featuring speakers and participants from around the world, the Ironman Sports Medicine Conference has become an integral part of the Ford Ironman World Championship. The first medical conference associated with the event took place in 1982, and ever since has been a valuable opportunity for medical personnel around the world to increase their knowledge on the issues pertinent to endurance athletes and their care by reviewing the latest science regarding sports and exercise, as well as common sports related injuries and illness.

“To have the sports medicine conference has been a huge benefit for both the race and the community,” says Dr. Bob Laird, an Ironman Hall of Fame member and former Chief Physician for the Ford Ironman World Championship. “It gives sports minded people the chance to come here not only for the fun of being involved in a world class event, but also to learn something. It’s a win-win situation for sure.”

Many of the attendees of the conference end up volunteering in the always busy medical tent in Kona, and some have since become the medical directors of other triathlon events, including many Ironman races, in their own communities.

The Kona community has benefited from the conference over the years, too. In addition to the invaluable education about sports related issues, many doctors have enjoyed their introduction to Kona so much that they have decided to stick around!

“We’ve had doctors come here who have ended up moving here,” says Dr. Laird. “It benefits this community as a whole.”

The five-day conference is open to physicians in the fields of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, PM&R, Orthopedics and others who care for athletes or engage in regular athletic activity, as well as Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Physicians Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Exercise Scientists.

For more information visit the official web site at www.cmxtravel.com or call