SASMA

Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical.

In this third episode of the series, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, and Franso-Marie Olivier to unpack whether it is possible for a balance to exist between research and life. Can we maintain our sanity? Can a social life and well-being exist while conducting research?

Links as discussed in the podcast:

Rethinking work-life balance: A researcher's guide to designing a sustainable academic life: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/rethinking-work-life-balance

From struggling to flourishing: a research-backed framework for PhD wellbeing and productivity: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/phd-wellbeing-and-productivity

Why your research identity matters as much as your methodology: The hidden foundation of academic success: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/why-your-research-identity-matters

Energy management: The secret weapon in academic productivity: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/energy-management-in-academic-productivity

Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical.

In this second episode of the series, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, to take us through how to develop a proposal as well as the study design research hub. Together, we unpack this topic and delve into the complexities that research may bring.

Links as discussed in the podcast:

The hidden cost of choosing the wrong study design: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/choosing-the-wrong-study-design

Study Designs & Research Methods Resource Hub: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/courses/128704-study-designs-research-methods-resource

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, host Dr Aasha Parshotam is joined by Dr Bhavik Ganda, Dr Umair Mohammed, and Dr John Haughey to explore the emerging field of sports dentistry and its growing role in athlete health and performance. From the prevention and management of dentofacial injuries to the impact of oral health on recovery, fatigue, and confidence, the discussion highlights why dentistry should be an integral part of the multidisciplinary sports medicine team. Inspired by insights from the South African Sports Dentistry Conference, this episode sheds light on how clinicians, coaches, and athletes can better protect both performance and long-term oral health.

Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical—starting not with methods or proposals, but with the bigger questions: what is research training, why do people do it, and how do you even begin?

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, to take us through "where to even begin." If you’ve ever thought, “I might want to do research, but I’m not sure what that actually means,” this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr Aasha Parshotam sits down with Dr Adisha Bhola, President of the Sports and Exercise Medicine Association of Mauritius (SEMA) and Chief Medical Officer of the Mauritius Rugby Federation, to explore how a small island nation is becoming a model for integrated, evidence-based sports and exercise medicine in Africa.

Dr Bhola shares her journey from London to Mauritius and the challenges of establishing a sports-medicine system from the ground up. Together they unpack:

• How Mauritius is using exercise prescription programmes to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension.
• The creation of the Institute of Sports Medicine and the role of public-private-academic collaboration.
• Behind-the-scenes medical planning for the Mauritius Sevens tournament, including tropical health risks and emergency protocols.
• The future vision for sports and exercise medicine in Mauritius — from specialty recognition to embedding exercise in primary care.

This inspiring conversation highlights how leadership, community partnerships, and education can transform athlete care and public health — even in resource-limited settings.

In this SASMA Podcast episode, host Aasha sits down with Dr Darren Green—Chief Medical Officer for Mediclinic Corporate Events and CMO to flagship races and rugby tournaments—to unpack how a city readies itself, medically and operationally, for the Cape Town Marathon as it bids for Abbott World Marathon Majors status. Dr Green lifts the lid on the real engine room of race day: ER24’s pre-hospital response, doctor–nurse route stations, a 28-bed finish-line race hospital with ICU capability and rapid cold-water immersion, and the live Venue Operations Centre coordinating police, traffic, disaster management, and medical dispatch in real time. He explains how spring weather, heat, wind, humidity, and radiant tar impact risk and performance, and walks through the most common clinical presentations—from heat illness, hyponatremia, and rhabdomyolysis to MSK overload and postural hypotension—plus practical prevention for runners. We also spotlight the 100+ UCT and Stellenbosch volunteers gaining frontline experience and the broader public-health legacy of hosting a world-class marathon in Africa.

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast’s Athlete’s Voice series, former Springbok and Stormers star Gio Aplon shares his journey through 16 years of professional rugby. From being told he was “too small” to play at the highest level, Gio reflects on how resilience and adaptability shaped his career. He opens up about the pressures of proving himself, the mental toll of injuries, and the challenges of navigating long-term rehab. Gio also highlights the importance of trust between athletes and sports medicine professionals, offering valuable lessons for those working in high-performance environments. This candid conversation provides a rare look into the mindset of an elite athlete and what it truly takes to survive at the top

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, host Kyle Winik speaks with Prof. Martin Schwellnus — a global authority in Sport and Exercise Medicine, Director of the IOC Research Center in South Africa, and President of the College of Sport and Exercise Medicine SA.

They explore the evolution of sport and exercise medicine in South Africa — from its academic beginnings at UCT in the early 1990s to the specialty’s official recognition in 2020. Prof. Schwellnus shares his insights on the College’s role in athlete care, its broader impact on fighting non-communicable diseases through exercise prescription, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Importantly, the conversation looks ahead to the College of Sport and Exercise Medicine’s upcoming conference this October in Johannesburg, where experts and practitioners will gather to discuss advances in athlete health, chronic disease prevention, and the future of the specialty in South Africa.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how sport and exercise medicine is shaping both elite performance and public health.

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr. Minjon Ras speaks with Dr. Izzy Moore, Joanna Perkins, and Dr. Leigh Gordon about the newly released Post-Partum Guidelines on returning to rugby after pregnancy (published by the English RFU). Together they unpack the six-phase pathway designed to support female athletes, explore the physical and mental health considerations unique to postpartum recovery, and discuss the role of coaches, medical teams, and performance staff in creating a supportive environment. The conversation blends evidence, personal experiences, and practical advice—empowering athletes and practitioners to ensure that returning to rugby postpartum is safe, individualized, and sustainable.

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You can read the full guidelines here: World Rugby Postpartum Guidance

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In this inspiring episode, host Dr. Aasha Parshotam sits down with two trailblazers in South African sports medicine—Dr. Lervasen Pillay and Dr. Phathokuhle Zondi—to explore the diverse and dynamic career trajectories within the field. From grassroots beginnings to national and international leadership roles, the discussion delves into the motivations, mentorship, and mindset needed to thrive in sports medicine. Whether you're a student, a clinician, or someone curious about the profession, this conversation offers personal insights, practical advice, and a powerful reflection on purpose and impact in healthcare.