![Dr. Natasha Innocent [Photo: Dr Innocent- SLFA]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dr-Natasha-Innocent-1.jpg)
This prestigious course, endorsed by BJSM, BASEM, ESSKA, and ISAKOS, adheres to the highest standards of postgraduate medical education.
Dr. Innocent undertook this nine-month program from November 11, 2024, to June 24, 2025, driven by her passion for football in Saint Lucia.
This achievement will significantly advance the sport and enhance the medical welfare of players in the region. The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. will benefit greatly from having a licensed and experienced medical professional like Dr. Innocent, who is equipped to aid players in their recovery and return to play following injury.
On July 25, 2025, Dr. Innocent received her Diploma, confirming her fulfillment of all the rigorous requirements of the Football/Soccer Medicine Advanced Course.
Football/soccer medicine incorporates essential knowledge, skills, communication, and networking, all aimed at enhancing the practice of specialists in this field.
The course featured an exceptional faculty team that offered invaluable insights. Participants delved into key topics, including injury and illness prevention, pre-participation cardiovascular and musculoskeletal screening, differential diagnosis, critical workflows, treatment, and return-to-play protocols.
A comprehensive understanding of the most common injuries encountered on the field was thoroughly achieved. This Diploma empowers and certifies Dr. Natasha Innocent as a vital asset in the healthcare of players and sports teams.
Dr. Innocent dedicates this certification to the late Messrs. Emmanuel Bellas, former Vice President of SLFA Inc., and Lyndon Cooper, President of SLFA Inc. Their encouragement was instrumental in her pursuit, and she extends her gratitude to them.
Beyond this certification, Dr. Innocent has continually sought to expand her expertise. Her commitment to improving on-field care for footballers has led her to attend numerous FIFA Medical Courses, including the FIFA MEDICAL NETWORK Isokinetic Conferences in May 2023 in London and in May 2024 in Madrid.
The Isokinetic annual Conference stands as a unique hub for the global Sports Medicine Community, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inspiration among over 2,500 attendees from 80 countries, featuring more than 250 top faculty members.
In addition, Dr. Innocent participated in the FIFA Medical Conference in February 2024 in Boston, USA, further preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.