Aim: Education in sports medicine is offered heterogeneously in German medical schools. 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 a first step the motivations and expectations of the students have to be evaluated.
Methods: 90 students enrolled in a sports medicine class were evaluated using a questionnaire and compared to 60 students not participating in the sports medicine class.
Results: The main motivation for the students to sign in was the future possibility to subspecialize in sports medicine, followed by interest in the subject. The main reasons not to participate were the time factor followed by lack of interest. 80 % of the students were regularly practising sports. 66 % commented on having been involved in sports trauma. 90 % of the students believe that practical-oriented education is absolutely necessary.
Conclusion: Evaluation of the students motivation, knowledge as well as a discussion of the current practice to teach sports medicine at medical school confirm the need for modification of our curricula to a more practical-oriented education.