The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy opened its doors to the community for a free public lecture, jointly hosted with McMaster Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, on November 14, 2024. Over 90 attendees, including community members, healthcare providers, faculty, staff and students, gathered to learn more about the physiological and psychological impacts of Relative Energy Deficiency (RED-S) on both youth and adult athletes.
The informative talk was delivered by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, leading expert in sports medicine and athlete health, clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University Medical School and regional assistant dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University.
Dr. Mountjoy led attendees through understanding the syndrome, including symptoms and signs that affect body systems, including physiological and psychological. She gave key insights into prevention, diagnosis, and management. Athletes, coaches, healthcare providers and parents of athletes were equipped with awareness of REDs and the knowledge needed to promote healthy performance and long-term well-being in athletes.
A lively Q&A followed the talk with Dr. Kelly Grindrod, associate professor at Waterloo Pharmacy, moderated and Dr. Mountjoy answered questions. After the session audience members engaged with Dr. Mountjoy in further discussion on the topic.
Dr. Mountjoy is a retired elite artistic swimmer and works for several International Sports organizations in the field of sports medicine including the International Olympic Committee (Games Group), the International Federations of Golf, Rugby and FIFA, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and for the World Anti-Doping Agency. Her areas of clinical expertise and research interests are in the field of female athlete health, safeguarding in sport, and mental health.
Thank you all who attended this engaging and accessible talk about an important topic that can affect athletes everywhere.