Foreword by Uğur Erdener, Chair of the
IOC Medical and Scientific Commission

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Dear Colleagues, Dear Participants,

Welcome to Rome for the IOC Course on Cardiovascular Evaluation of Olympic Athletes.

This year, the Course will again be held right after the Advanced Team Physician Course, with the aim of making the participation of a large number of delegates much easier.

The idea for organising such a Course was prompted by the recognition that sound and experienced information in this field is still scarce, particularly with regard to basic concepts to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate management of a concealed cardiac condition, and to contribute to avoiding sudden cardiac death among athletes.

For the 2024 edition, we will continue with what has become the trademark of the previous IOC Cardiology Courses, addressing the basic elements of cardiovascular evaluation of Olympic athletes through real-life cases. The lectures will be delivered by experienced professionals and scientists in simple language and supported by a large range of practical cases, illustrated and discussed collegially with the delegates. You should expect extensive interaction among the participants and faculty members around the clinical cardiology conundrums faced nowadays by physicians working with elite athletes.

Apart from our medical discussions, we will also have time for informal social interaction, and to build an international network with experienced colleagues from all over the world.

My sincere thanks also go to my colleague Antonio Pelliccia who put together a fantastic scientific programme.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Rome, Italy on 25 and 26 October 2024.

Prof. Dr Uğur Erdener
Chair, IOC Medical and Scientific Commission