INTRODUCTION: Education in Sports Medicine is offered heterogeneously in German medical schools. Efficacy and acceptance among medical students are unknown. The self-image of sports has changed from a traditional, competition-oriented way to adventure, entertainment, wellness and health. Therefore changes of our curricula to a practical oriented way of teaching are required. In this regard a new curriculum was developed. The main focus, besides an interdisciplinary class in sports medicine was to offer practical education in sports to the students. METHODS: Efficacy and acceptance of the class were evaluated using a questionnaire. 90 medical students (58 male, 32 female) were included into the study . RESULTS: The interdisciplinary topics of the class were graded positively. Most of the presentations were regarded as very useful for the future practice. Empathy and commitment of the professor were keystones to good scores. The "fun-factor" was the key for the success of the practical assignment. Practical training was regarded as fundamental for a sports medicine class. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of the new concept as well as a discussion of the current practice to teach sports medicine at medical school confirm the need of a more practical oriented education, in order to meet the requirements of sports medicine in a time with changing self image of sports.     «

INTRODUCTION: Education in Sports Medicine is offered heterogeneously in German medical schools. Efficacy and acceptance among medical students are unknown. The self-image of sports has changed from a traditional, competition-oriented way to adventure, entertainment, wellness and health. Therefore changes of our curricula to a practical oriented way of teaching are required. In this regard a new curriculum was developed. The main focus, besides an interdisciplinary class in sports medicine was t...     »