SASMA

What does truly interdisciplinary athlete care look like?
Join Dr Aasha Parshotam as she hosts a special SASMA conversation with:
Ms Erin Dayaram – Podiatry
Ms Natasha Deley – Biokinetics
Dr Natalie Benjamin-Damons – Sports Physiotherapy
Ms Aluwani Manenzhe – Sports Occupational Therapy
Together, they unpack the unique role each discipline plays within Sports & Exercise Medicine - from biomechanics, gait and footwear, to rehabilitation, exercise prescription, psychological wellbeing, return to sport, functional recovery and whole-person care.
The discussion also explores how interdisciplinary teams can work more effectively, when referral to allied health professionals can improve athlete outcomes, and where collaboration between doctors and allied health practitioners still has room to grow.
We also look ahead to SASMA 2026, hearing what each guest is most excited about, what they hope to see more of within their profession, and why allied health professionals are such an essential part of the Sports & Exercise Medicine community.
A conversation about collaboration, integrated care and keeping the athlete at the centre of every decision.

Join SASMA on World Mental Health Day 2026 as Dr James Burger speaks with Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze and Associate Professor Stephan Rabie for a discussion about suicide in athletes.

They discuss suicidal behaviours, drivers of suicide, risk assessment, and the importance of starting conversations and connecting athletes with appropriate support.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, please reach out to a healthcare professional or your local mental health support services.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): https://www.sadag.org
SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567 (24 hours)
SADAG office 011 234 4837 (08:00 to 17:00)
SMS 31393 for a call back

Cipla Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789 (24 hours)
WhatsApp a counsellor 076 882 2775 (08:00 to 17:00)
LifeLine National Counselling Line 0861 322 322
LifeLine WhatsApp 065 989 9238
Netcare Akeso Crisis Line 0861 435 787

If in an immediate emergency,
Emergency from a mobile 112
Police 10111
Ambulance 10177
Or go to your nearest emergency department

For international and further help:
https://findahelpline.com verified lines by country
https://befrienders.org worldwide directory

In this special collaboration between the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) and the Enhanced Pod, Nick Pereira sits down with Professor Habib Noorbhai to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of sport science, medicine, technology and artificial intelligence.
From athletic intelligence, data-driven decision-making and cricket batting biomechanics to markerless motion capture, precision-based sports science and spatial computing, the conversation explores how emerging technologies could shape the future of performance and rehabilitation. Habib also shares his perspective on democratizing access to technology in South Africa, the importance of interdisciplinary practice, and how clinicians can prepare themselves for a rapidly changing landscape.
A forward-looking conversation for anyone working in sports medicine, performance, rehabilitation, research or athlete development.

What does it really take to perform at the highest level — and what happens beyond the medals, records and podiums?
In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr Kyle Winik sits down with Olympic champion Chad le Clos for an open and personal conversation about the journey behind elite performance. They explore the pressures of high-performance sport, identity beyond competition, mental health, setbacks and resilience, the importance of the people and medical teams surrounding an athlete, and the lessons Chad has learned through an extraordinary career.
A conversation about swimming, certainly — but even more importantly, about the person behind the performance.

What does it take to go from South African medical training to working inside elite UK sport?
In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr Kyle Winik sits down with Dr Daniel Tadmor to explore his journey from South Africa into professional sport in the UK and ultimately the Premier League environment.
They discuss the strengths of South African medical training, adapting to a different sporting culture, clinical decision-making in elite football, multidisciplinary teamwork, return-to-play pressures, building trust with athletes, and what the role of a team doctor really looks like behind the scenes.
The conversation also offers practical insight for South African doctors hoping to build their own careers in elite and professional sport.