Sports Medicine Centre in Monaco

A sports medicine centre is a facility which specialises in sports- and exercise-related prevention and diagnosis.

The role of the Sports Medicine Centre in Monaco

Under the authority of the Department of Health Affairs (DASA), the Sports Medicine Centre issues medical certificates attesting that individuals are able to engage in sporting activities in the Principality. The Centre’s sports medicine doctors can also carry out a number of the tests required to assess athletes’ physiological capabilities. The Sports Medicine Centre does not, however, issue prescriptions of any kind. The Centre plays an educational and preventive role by organising information sessions for the various associations and clubs in the Principality, or by providing individual consultations where users request these from the doctors. Finally, the Centre works with the Monegasque Anti-Doping Committee, the Monegasque Olympic Committee, the Department of Education, Youth and Sport and all partners and groups within the Principality’s sports community who are keen to safeguard athletes’ health.

How the Centre is organised

The team at the Sports Medicine Centre is available to the public all year round, allowing users to undergo fitness for sport check-ups. The team is made up of:

● 2 doctors holding Sports Medicine and Biology certificates
● 2 state-registered nurses
● 2 secretaries

Consultations are available by appointment only. You can book an appointment online, by telephoning the secretarial office at the Centre on +377 92 05 41 11 or by visiting reception.

What medical check-ups are carried out at the Sports Medicine Centre?

The Centre’s staff carry out various types of check-up, and there are considerable differences in the procedures for each one.

Fitness for sport check-up:

This involves a clinical medical examination, including a routine electrocardiogram (ECG), and lasts approximately 15 minutes. Provided that no contraindications are noted, this results in the issue of a certificate attesting that the individual is able to engage in the sport for which the certificate was requested.

“Simple” stress tests:

These are always preceded by a fitness for sport check-up. Directions for the tests are established by the Centre’s doctors, whose prior approval is therefore required. These tests are used to screen for potential cardiovascular problems that could occur during exertion and would, where appropriate, mean that the practice of one or more specific physical activities, or even sport in general, would not be recommended. The Sports Medicine Centre is not a substitute for a cardiology investigation unit and does not therefore carry out examinations prescribed by external doctors. These tests are carried out using the Centre’s ergocycle and require a 60-minute appointment.

Gas exchange or VO2 max stress tests

These must also be approved in advance by one of the Centre’s doctors. The aim of these tests is not to screen for potential cardiovascular disorders, but rather to assess an athlete’s physiological capacities. They help to establish areas to focus on in future training in order to optimise athletic performance. The tests are aimed at athletes who have reached a certain level and require a 90-minute appointment. They may be carried out on the Centre’s ergocycle or treadmill, or even on the athlete’s own equipment using a home trainer.

Practical information about the Centre

During your first visit to the Centre, please bring your carnet de santé (health record) if you can. This is strongly recommended in the case of minors. For certain disciplines which present specific constraints, a medical history form will need to be completed by the person requesting the check-up, or by their parents if they are a minor. For stress tests, please wear sports clothing (shorts, trainers) and bring a towel and whatever else you need to take a shower if required – the Centre has an on-site shower room. The period around the start of the new school year is particularly busy, so you are advised to plan ahead when booking an appointment. Waits can be long at this time. The Centre is, however, open during the school holidays. Finally, if you need to cancel your appointment or are delayed, please, as far as possible, contact the secretarial office to enable the Centre’s staff to rearrange the schedule as soon as possible and book a new appointment if required.

Contact the Sports Medicine Centre team:

Address: Louis II Stadium, Entrée G, 7 Avenue des Castelans
Telephone: (+377) 92 05 41 11
Public opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.