On September 12, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Congress to establish the Vietnam Sports Medicine Association of Ho Chi Minh City, term I (2026-2031) took place, marking a new step in the development of the sports medicine network in the Southern region.
The event aims to create a focal point connecting scientists, doctors, experts, medical technicians, professional staff in the field of sports medicine with organizations, medical facilities, training and sports. The branch is expected to promote professional exchange, scientific research, training, knowledge update and application of scientific and technological advances.
A noteworthy point is that the orientation of the Association's activities does not only focus on treating injuries for athletes. According to Dr. Vu Hong Huy, Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Sports (Central Propaganda Department), Vice President of the Vietnam Sports Medicine Association, sports medicine is currently an interdisciplinary field, connecting medicine, motor science, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychology, training, data and technology.
Dr. Vu Hong Huy emphasized that athlete care needs coordination between health monitoring, exercise load management, nutrition, psychology, injury prevention and recovery, instead of just the sole responsibility of doctors or coaches.
One direction is to build a trauma database, multi-center research, develop guidance and professional processes, and apply data and artificial intelligence to detect risks early, support professional decisions and personalize care.
Notably, the Association is also expected to expand its scope from high-performance sports to community health, contributing to helping people mobilize correctly, prevent injuries and maintain health based on science.
With the first term 2026-2031, the goal set is not only to develop members or organize conferences, but also to form a stronger sports medicine ecosystem in Ho Chi Minh City, creating professional models that can be shared and spread to other localities.
