The Health & Sport Network is the reference contact in French-speaking Switzerland in the field of health, exercise and sport.
OUR MISSION
REUNITE
- Promoting health through exercise and sport.
- Supervision of sports performance, respecting the physical and psychological integrity of the individual. This includes prevention and management.
- Develop an interdisciplinary culture.
TRANSMIT
- By organizing and supporting training courses that convey knowledge based on scientific evidence and expertise.
- Recommendations for good practice.
PROMOTE
- Health through exercise and sport.
- The protection of the health of elite athletes and athletes of all levels and ages.
- Exercise as a therapeutic tool.
- Fun in exercise and sport.
- Ethics and equal opportunity in exercise and sport.
- Partnerships between public health, sports, political and educational bodies, learned societies and professional associations.
Status
Statutes of the Association
Health & Sport Network
Legal form, purpose, seat and duration
1. Legal form
Under the name of Réseau Romand de Médecine de l’Exercice et du Sport, a non-profit association is created, governed by the present statutes and by articles 60 and following of the Swiss Civil Code.
2. Goal
The Association aims to develop, promote and organize continuing education in the field of exercise and sports medicine. The Association may, in particular, conclude sponsorship contracts, pay the speakers of the training courses and conferences it organizes, rent the premises necessary for its activities and validly undertake any type of action and legal act directly or indirectly related to its purpose.
3. Seat and duration
The headquarters of the Association is in Geneva. Its duration is unlimited.
ORGANIZATION
4. Bodies
The organs of the Association are :
– the General Assembly; and
– the Committee.
The Association may, by amendment to the Articles of Association, establish an auditing body.
5. Resources and fiscal year
The resources of the Association are constituted by the ordinary or extraordinary contributions of its members, by donations or legacies, by products of the activities of the Association and, if necessary, by subsidies of the public authorities.
The commitments of the Association are guaranteed by its assets, to the exclusion of any personal liability of its members
The fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 of each year.
MEMBERS
6. Qualification
All persons or organizations interested in the realization of the objectives established by art. 2.
7. Quality
The Association is composed of individual members.
8. Applications for admission
Applications for admission are sent by mail or email to the Committee. In order to cover the admission fee, a payment of CHF 20 must be made to the Association upon submission of the application. The Committee admits new members and informs the general membership at the General Assembly.
9. Annual fee
The General Assembly decides on the amount of the annual membership fees on the proposal of the Committee. This amount may differ depending on the member (students, legal entities, etc.). Committee members and honorary members are exempt from paying dues.
10. Loss of Membership
Membership is lost:
– by resignation. In all cases, the current year’s dues remain payable; and
– by expulsion for just cause, in particular in case of non-payment of the annual fee.
Exclusion is the responsibility of the Committee. The person concerned may appeal against this decision to the General Assembly.
General Assembly
11. Function and composition
The General Assembly is the supreme authority of the Association. It includes all the members of the company.
12. Skills
The powers of the General Assembly are as follows. She:
– adopts and amends the bylaws;
– elects the members of the Committee;
– determines the work orientations and directs the activity of the Association;
– approves the reports, adopts the accounts and votes the budget;
– discharges the Committee of their mandate;
– sets the annual membership fee;
– takes position on other projects on the agenda.
The General Assembly may take up or be taken up any matter which it has not assigned to another body.
13. Convocation
The Assembly shall meet at least once a year at the invitation of the Committee.
In addition, the Committee may call special general meetings as often as it deems necessary.
Meetings are convened at least 20 days in advance by the Committee. The communication is made through the postal or e-mail address indicated by each member at the time of registration, subject to subsequent modification.
In accordance with Art. 60 al. 3 of the Swiss Civil Code, the General Assembly is convened if 1/5 of the members of the Association so request.
14. Chair and Secretary
The meeting is chaired by the President or another member of the Committee. The President shall appoint a Secretary.
15. Quorum and Voting
The General Assembly may take decisions regardless of the number of members of the Association present.
Each member is entitled to one vote. Apart from the amendment of the articles of association, which requires a majority of
2/3 of the votes cast, the decisions of the General Assembly shall be taken by a simple majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson of the meeting shall have the casting vote.
Minutes shall be kept of each meeting. The minutes are signed by the President and the Secretary.
16. Vote
Voting shall normally be by show of hands, unless the Committee decides on another method of voting and informs the members of its decision when the meeting is convened.
Voting by proxy is excluded.
17. Agenda of the meeting
The agenda of the annual (so-called ordinary) meeting shall necessarily include:
– the report of the Committee on the activity of the Association during the past year;
– an exchange of views/decisions concerning the development of the Association;
– cash flow reports;
– the election of the members of the Committee;
– individual proposals.
The Committee is obliged to place on the agenda of the General Assembly (ordinary or extraordinary) any proposal of a member presented in writing at least 10 days in advance.
COMMITTEE
18. Function
The Committee executes and implements the decisions of the General Assembly. He leads the Association and takes all useful measures to ensure that the set goal is achieved. The Committee decides on all matters not expressly reserved for the General Assembly.
19. Composition and meetings
The Committee consists of at least five members, elected for one year by the General Assembly. They may be re-elected indefinitely. The Committee shall constitute itself.
It shall meet in session as often as the business of the Association requires.
The Chairperson shall convene each meeting at least one week in advance by email to the members of the Committee with the Agenda. The Committee can validly take decisions if at least three of its members are present.
Each decision is taken by a simple majority of the votes cast. Minutes are kept of each meeting. The minutes are signed by the President and the Secretary.
The Committee may also make its decisions by circular, unless one of its members requests a discussion.
20. Representation
The Association is validly committed by the collective signature of two members of the Committee.
Each member of the Committee may nevertheless, within the framework of the Association’s current expenses (less than CHF 500 per expense), validly commit the Association individually.
21. General skills and duties
The Committee shall be responsible for:
– to take all measures useful for the realization of the purpose of the Association, in particular those provided for in Art. 22 below ;
– to convene ordinary and extraordinary general meetings;
– to take decisions concerning the admission and resignation of members as well as their possible exclusion;
– to enforce the Articles of Incorporation, make by-laws and administer the property of the Association; and
– the maintenance of the Association’s accounts.
22. Specific skills and duties
Except in exceptional circumstances, the Committee shall organize at least once a year a continuing education and/or conference related to exercise and sports medicine.
Each member who has paid the annual membership fee is entitled to attend one continuing education course or conference organized by the Committee each year free of charge.
The Committee hires and dismisses the Association’s paid and volunteer staff. It may entrust any member of the Association or outside the Association with a mandate limited in time.
END OF THE ASSOCIATION
23. Dissolution
The dissolution of the Association is decided by the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority of the members present. Any assets will be allocated to an organization with similar goals.
The present statutes were adopted by the constitutive assembly of April 18, 2017 in Nyon
Committee
President
Stéphane Tercier
Pediatric Surgery (FMH)
Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEMS)
Bio
My activity
Associate physician, director of the SportAdo center, Swiss Olympic Medical Center of the CHUV. Responsible for arthroscopic knee surgery in the Department of Child & Adolescent Surgery, Department of Women, Mothers & Children, CHUV. Chief Medical Officer for the YOG Lausanne 2020 (Medical Polyclinic of the Olympic Village and ‘Health for Performance’ concept of the educational program). Board member of the Sport Study Group of EPOS (European Pediatric Orthopedic Society). President of the Association And You (www.associationandyou.ch) which fights against the abuse of young people in sport.
My commitment
Interested in the development and teaching of exercise and sport medicine for all, especially youth, based on interdisciplinarity & innovative concepts of acute and overload injury prevention. Interest in the field of health promotion through sport with adolescents.
My sports activities
Beachvolley, ski touring, wing foil and snowboarding
Vice President
Suzanne Gard
Physiotherapy (BSc)
Athletic Physiotherapy (MSc)
Bio
My activity
I have a 40% outpatient consultation at the Centre SportAdo, CHUV, Lausanne and I teach at the Haute École de Santé HES-SO Geneva at 40%. My experience in sports physiotherapy is 12 years with Swissbasket, as well as a few years with the Association Genevoise de Gymnastique (AGG), elite pole, RC Avusy and the Geneva Volleyball Academy, participation in various major events: London2012, Baku2015, Rio2016, CommonwealthGames2022. I was also involved in the organization of the medical services of the YOG2020 in Lausanne (Deputy Venue Medical Manager).
My commitment
I have a strong interest in promoting quality physical therapy, injury prevention, patient education, therapeutic education and physical activity promotion. I am a member of the board of the Swiss Association of Sports Physiotherapy, SPORTFISIO and since August 2021, elected to the board of the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy IFSPT. Within the Health and Sport Network, I am the vice-president. I am particularly grateful for the parity and multidisciplinarity of this committee.
My sports activities
In my spare time, I like to be outdoors and enjoy nature by running or hiking, as well as practicing CrossFit.
Treasurer
Yan Eggel
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FMH)
Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEMS)
Bio
My activity
After more than 10 years in the sports medicine and musculoskeletal rehabilitation departments at the Clinique romande de réadaptation in Sion, I am currently head physician of the musculoskeletal rehabilitation department of the Centre Hospitalier du Valais Romand. In this context I have developed an activity in exercise and sports medicine. I participate in the medical follow-up of Ski Valais and take care of individual athletes of all levels.
My commitment
I believe that interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly important in the management of patients, whether they wish to be active in their daily lives, or participate in sports for leisure, in competition or at a high level. The philosophy of the Network is also to promote this culture of exchange and as a member of the committee I am committed to ensuring that the finances of the Network allow us to continue this development.
My sports activities
I played soccer for a long time. Currently I still practice skiing, ski touring, mountain biking and in my spare time, family walks.
Member and Society Relations
Silvia Bonfanti
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FMH)
Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEMS)
Bio
My activity
I am currently an associate physician in the Center for Exercise and Sports Medicine at Hirslanden Clinique la Colline, Swiss Olympic Medical Center. I have an FMH in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and additional training in Sports Medicine which I have been practicing since 2013. For several years I have been coaching individual elite athletes, the Geneva Servette Hockey Club, the Geneva LNA volleyball team and the dancers of the Grand Théâtre de Genève. But also of any active person! I have participated in several international events as a doctor: I love the mix of culture, athletes, skills, knowledge, which has allowed me to learn a lot as a doctor and as a person, and to travel!
My commitment
I am interested in the development of sports medicine in Switzerland, interdisciplinarity and the promotion of physical activity and sport for health. I have a special interest in women in sport, from adolescence to menopause, and including the little-known territory of sport during and after pregnancy. Within the Network I am currently in charge of the practical management of the members and the attribution of credits for our trainings.
My sports activities
Skiing, beach volleyball, cycling, hiking
Communication Manager
Melanie Hindi
Sport psychologist
Bio
My activity
I am a sports psychologist and work in independent practice in Lausanne and at the Hôpital de la Tour in Meyrin. I have a Master’s degree in Health Psychology, a DAS in Sports Psychology and a University Diploma in Mental Preparation and Sports Psychology. My main activity consists of psychological support for athletes, both amateur and professional, with the aim of promoting their personal balance, their well-being and their relationship with sport. One of my favorite areas is the care of injured athletes. I am also very involved in issues of abuse in sport.
My commitment
It is important to me that the psychological aspects are more integrated in the care of our patients and in the world of sports. Interdisciplinarity is for me the key to good support and I am committed to further developing the means to achieve good collaboration, both around patients and between institutions.
My sports activities
During my childhood and adolescence, I practiced Twriling up to an international level. Then a knee injury forced me to stop competitive sports. Today, in my spare time, I enjoy yoga, biking, hiking, skiing and scuba diving.
Social Media Manager
Laurène Niederhauser
Federal diploma in human medicine
Bio
My activity
I am currently training to obtain my FMH in hand surgery.
My commitment
Having a special interest in the musculoskeletal system as well as in sports, I enjoy learning about sports medicine and sharing my knowledge with people from different backgrounds and with the different actors of the health and sports world. Symposia and workshops are an opportunity for me to pass on, share and learn, in order to improve the health of our patients. Health promotion through physical activity as well as the prevention and management of sports injuries are areas that I am particularly committed to.
My sports activities
Tennis, downhill skiing, golf and hiking with family and friends
Bonus
I speak French, English and German.
Symposia Evaluation, Member and Society Relations
Valentin Sarrasin
Physiotherapy (BSc)
CAS HES-SO in sports rehabilitation
CAS HES-SO in manual therapy
Bio
My activity
Currently, I am a physiotherapist at the Clinique Romande de Réadaptation in the general rehabilitation unit and in sports physiotherapy, working in collaboration with the Swiss Olympic Medical Center. My activity in sports physiotherapy includes the treatment of athletes of all levels within the clinic but also outside: I also expand my experience as a physiotherapist in the field through multiple follow-ups of individual athletes or teams. For several years, I have been a part-time lecturer at the HES-SO Valais/Wallis, giving some courses within the physiotherapy program and the CAS rehabilitation of the athlete.
My commitment
In addition to the therapeutic aspect, I really like the testing aspect of our job, which allows us to prevent injuries and to adapt the management of our patients in a targeted manner. It is important to me to promote my profession and to develop multidisciplinary exchanges; this is why I joined the Network.
My sports activities
In my younger years, I wrestled all the way up to NBL. Today I am no longer a member of a club but I enjoy playing various team and individual sports. And when I leave the world of sports, it’s to take refuge in the world of music or the epicurean pleasures of the local and foreign lands.
Exercise Medicine, Relationship with Sports and Exercise Medicine Societies
Justin Carrard
GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE (FMH)
SPORT AND EXERCISE MEDICINE (SEMS)
Bio
My activity
I am currently working as a postdoctoral fellow and teacher in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Basel. I also serve as associate editor for the British Medical Journal Open Sports & Exercise Medicine.
My commitment
I believe that we need to redesign our health care system from one that focuses on disease to one that is proactive and emphasizes the maintenance and development of full mental and physical health. In such a system, the various health professionals specialized in sport and physical activity would play a central role in accompanying patients and athletes towards a more balanced lifestyle. It is therefore important to me that the Network works to ensure that our activities are better known and recognized by health professionals in Switzerland (and abroad).
My sports activities
As a former competitive swimmer, I have a soft spot for endurance sports which I practice regularly with passion.
Communication
Loïc Bel
Physiotherapy (BSc)
Athletic Physiotherapy (MSc)
Bio
My activity
Currently, most of my professional activity takes place in my office in the canton of Fribourg. My consultations are carried out with a varied patient base, from athletes to the more sedentary elderly. In parallel to this main activity, I am currently starting a PhD project on the subject of injury prevention in sport. In parallel, I also give a few hours of classes at the HES-SO Valais in the framework of the sports rehabilitation module on injury prevention. I also participate in a few research projects with colleagues from different regions in Switzerland.
My commitment
Injury prevention is a subject that is particularly close to my heart – promoting healthy sports practice in the service of sports performance. I also believe that interdisciplinarity is one of the keystones that will allow us to promote health in sport, but also physical activity as a central element of health.
My sports activities
After having practiced judo during my childhood and American soccer for about 10 years, my current sport consists mainly of muscle strengthening sessions. During the summer I also enjoy hiking and walking in nature. I also go boxing from time to time with friends.
Relationship with sports and exercise medicine societies, Relationship with orthopaedic societies
Frédéric Vauclair
Orthopedic surgery and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system (FMH)
Complex upper limb trauma and elbow surgery
Bio
My activity
After more than 10 years in the orthopaedic and traumatology department of the CHUV in Lausanne, including 7 years as head of upper limb traumatology, I decided to take on a new challenge. My main activity, which I carry out at the Bois-Cerf Clinic (Hirslanden Lausanne), remains focused on complex upper limb traumatology and elbow surgery. In this context, I have to take care of athletes of all levels, and more particularly athletes who use or injure their arms (judokas, gymnasts, boxers, handball players, cyclists…). At the same time, I work as a consultant for Metics Health & Performance, this time to assist runners and triathletes.
My commitment
I am convinced that sport and physical activity in general have the incredible potential to improve our physical and mental health and to make us happy. I totally identify with the philosophy and mission of the Network. As a professional, I strive to help athletes regain pleasure and performance after an injury. Within the Network, I support the committee in organizing sports and recreational activities related to the events, and to increase the visibility of the Network to other circles.
My sports activities
I am passionate about trail running which I have been practicing for 10 years with the Trail Training Team. On the side, I like to vary the pleasures between road bike in summer and snowboard in winter.
History
HISTORY OF the Health & Sport Network
Formerly RRMES and RRMS
2021
In order to better reflect and promote the interdisciplinarity that characterizes the world of sports and exercise medicine, RRMES becomes the Health & Sport Network. The symposiums are now regularly preceded by practical workshops in order to better gather, transmit and promote.
2018-2021
The RRMES is growing and organizes 2 symposiums per year in French-speaking Switzerland attracting between 100 and 140 people per event.
2017
We add an “E” for exercise and we constitute ourselves as an Association. The committee is composed of physicians and physiotherapists.
2013
A new group has been formed to carry on the work of the usual spring and fall half-day symposia and to develop the activities.
Created in 1999, supported by the university departments of Lausanne and Geneva
With Drs Fritschy, Rostan, Bielinski, Gremion, Ménetrey, Gobelet, Ziltener, Sayegh, Meyer, Grossen, Fournier.