Diploma in Sport Medicine

General Information

Applications are now being accepted individuals wishing to sit the Diploma Examination in Sport Medicine, conducted by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine (CASM) which will take place in Ottawa in the Spring of 2009 (Exact date to be confirmed).  Applications are available upon request by writing to:

Dawn Haworth (dhaworth@casm-acms.org)

CASM Executive Director,
Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine
5330 Canotek Road, Unit 4
Ottawa, ON, K1J 9C1

or you can download directly from the CASM Website (Diploma in Sport Medicine Application Form)

Completed application forms, together with the application fee, must reach the CASM National Office no later than the specified date. The application form is not complete without the signature of the applicant, the application fee and a passport-style photograph of the applicant.

The application fee is $1200.00 Cdn. Examination candidates will be accepted on a "first come first served" basis. Every second exam, accommodations will be made for candidates to write the exam in French provided that a minimum number of francophone candidates is reached (12).   The exam will be offered in French, regardless of number of candidates, at least every 4 exams.   Priority is given, at the time of the application deadline, to fellows registered in Sport Medicine fellowship programs (provided they have completed their program at the time of the date of examination otherwise applications will be received on a first-come first-served basis) and those who have failed the previous year.  The applicants accepted for examination will be notified by the CASM Executive Director, and will be provided with information about the centre where he/she will take the examination.

Please note, in the event that an applicant qualifies to sit the examination but is unable, for whatever reason, to sit the exam, the cancellation/Refund Policy will apply.  Future applications to sit the examination can be made upon payment of the appropriate application fee.

The Examination

The examination is predominantly conducted using OSCE situations but other forms of examination can be used as well, ie multiple choice or short answer questions. These are designed to simulate, accurately as possible, situations that are likely to arise in the context of the practice of clinical sport medicine. They are designed to evaluate and assess, not only knowledge, but also clinical skills and behaviour. Applicants who have been involved in the clinical practice of sport medicine, are familiar with the current literature, have participated in ongoing CME activities in this area, and who are aware of contemporary issues in sport medicine are ideal candidates for the examination. More information can be obtained by reading "The Diploma Examination in Sport Medicine" a publication of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine.

Eligibility (Approved by the CASM Board of Directors, March 2008)

Candidates for the CASM Diploma Examination in Sport Medicine must meet the following criteria:

• All candidates must be members in good standing of the CASM at the time they apply to sit the examination and must fulfill the following requirements:

• The candidate must have completed two years of independent practice MEDICAL practice, which must include attendance at one provincial or national sport medicine conference and documented participation of 50 hours of team/sport/event coverage (see application form for more details)

OR

• The candidate must possess a CCFP and have completed a one-year Sport Medicine fellowship at a recognized University Medical Centre. *  and documented participation of 50 hours of team/sport/event coverage (see application form for more details)

OR

• The candidate must be a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and have completed a one-year Sport Medicine fellowship at a recognized University Medical Centre. * and documented participation of 50 hours of team/sport/event coverage (see application form for more details)

Physicians practicing outside Canada must be licensed to practice in their country or residence and fulfill the criteria noted above.

All who are interested in sitting the Exam should submit an application form with the appropriate fee by the announced deadline).  Please note that applications are accepted throughout the year, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Credentials Committee reviews applications periodically throughout the year, as required. Applications will not be considered complete unless the candidate is a member in good standing of the Academy.

Successful candidates may use Dip. Sport Med. as a nominal. NOTE: The use of this designation is contingent upon ongoing membership in the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine.

Please contact the National Office to receive an application form. Interest in the CASM Diploma Exam in Sport Medicine continues to increase, as does the number of applicants. Please submit your application promptly.

Candidates unsuccessful in passing the examination in previous years are encouraged to repeat the examination in a subsequent year. Such candidates need not submit an application form but must submit a letter of intent to sit the examination no later than the specified application deadline date for that year. The application fee should accompany this letter.

FAQ About the Diploma in Sport Medicine