Dr. Karim Khan has redefined modern sports medicine through his visionary leadership of the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) and his global advocacy for exercise as medicine.
As Editor-in-Chief since 2008, he transformed BJSM from a niche publication into the world’s #1 sports science journal (Impact Factor: 18.4), bridging cutting-edge research with real-world clinical practice.
Khan’s philosophy—that science must directly benefit patients and athletes—has driven BJSM’s innovations. He pioneered open-access publishing in 2016, democratizing knowledge, while launching the BJSM Blog and Podcast to reach 100,000+ monthly users. His "5-Minute Clinical Reads" and infographics distill complex research into actionable insights for doctors. Under his guidance, BJSM fast-tracked critical studies, like COVID-19’s impact on athletes, in under 21 days.
Landmark BJSM publications under Khan’s tenure include: Exercise vs. antidepressants (2014): Proving physical activity rivals drugs for mild-moderate depression. The Oslo Model: A FIFA-adopted protocol reducing ACL tears by 50%. "Exercise as Vital Sign": Screening inactivity in clinics.
Beyond research, Khan co-founded Exercise is Medicine®, integrating physical activity into healthcare systems across 25+ countries. His concussion guidelines are used by the NFL and IOC, while initiatives like #ThisMumRuns boosted postpartum exercise by 35%.
Khan’s mantra—"If exercise were a pill, it would be the most cost-effective drug"—captures his mission. By making sports medicine a public health priority, he has improved millions of lives. Future frontiers include AI-driven exercise prescriptions and global injury prevention standards. Through BJSM, Khan ensures science doesn’t just inform—it transforms.
Legacy: A world where exercise is prescribed as powerfully as medicine, and research serves athletes and patients alike.
