Care to learn about the link between sports, medicine, and Frankfurt? Here we are at Abteilung Sportmedizin. It is part of the Goethe University. It plays a vital role in the study and practice of sports medicine.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sportmedizin und Prävention is based in Frankfurt am Main. It highlights the city’s role as a hub for sports medicine. This society has roots stretching back to 1912. It was the first sports medicine association worldwide. This shows how Frankfurt has long been central to this field.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sportmedizin und Prävention promotes research. It supports teaching and further education. It aims to improve healthcare quality. It also builds networks between companies and sports organizations.
The organization has around 9,000 members. This makes it one of Germany’s largest medical associations. It is the second largest sports medicine organization worldwide after the USA.
The society publishes the Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin. This journal is for doctors and scientists in sports medicine. It also targets physiotherapists, sports teachers, and athletes. It shares findings and promotes best practices.
The history of Abteilung Sportmedizin links to the broader story of sports medicine in Germany. After World War II, German sports was excluded from international events. In 1952, the Fédération Internationale de Médecin du Sport accepted Germany again.
In 1947, the Sporthochschule Köln opened. It was the successor to the Deutschen Hochschule für Leibesübungen in Berlin. Cooperation with the eastern part of the country was forbidden.
In 1950, the German sports medicine publication was called Leibesübungen, Sportarzt, Erziehung. It became the official organ of the DSÄB. In 1970, the Zusatzbezeichnung Sportmedizin was created. It is an additional qualification for doctors.
Starting in 1948, state sports medicine leagues formed. The Deutsche Sportärztebund was founded on 14th October 1950. Its goal was to promote physical exercise for public health.
The annual congresses of the DSÄB were held every year from 1951 to 1957. In 1987, there were sports medicine institutions at 38 of 39 universities.
Abteilung Sportmedizin is part of this evolution. It contributes to research, education, and athlete care. It helps Frankfurt remain a key city for sports medicine.