Experienced Vishnubala is Volleyball England's new Chief Medical Officer

The role will see him lead on all aspects of clinical governance and establish a Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Volleyball network of practitioners to enhance the organisation’s approach to the athletic development of players across all three formats of the sport. 

Dr Vishnubala will also provide SEM leadership across the Volleyball England Talent pathway and programmes in line with its The Game Plan strategy, as well as act as a specialist advisor to the Volleyball England Board and Senior Leadership Team. 

He comes into post with immediate effect. 

“I am delighted to be joining the Volleyball England team to work with a range of people throughout the organisation and the wider network to ensure our athletes and players are well supported and safe,” said Dr Vishnubala. 

“I also look forward to supporting the national teams and staff from a sports medicine perspective to ensure our players are not only fit and healthy, but also able to perform at the highest level.” 

A Consultant Physician in Sport and Exercise Medicine, Dr Vishnubala is recognised as a specialist by the General Medical Council (GMC). 

He has an MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine, postgraduate qualifications in Medical Education and is currently awaiting the outcome of his PhD submission. 

Dr Vishnubala works as a Consultant Physician in Sport and Exercise Medicine for the Military in Catterick and for Yorkshire Sports Medicine Clinic and is a clinical academic at the University of Leeds in Sport and Exercise Medicine.  

He is also currently the Chief Medical Officer at Basketball England/GB Basketball and is the Wales Women’s Seniors Team Doctor. 

A wealth of previous experience comes from a variety of sports, having previously worked for the Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, Leeds Rhinos (Rugby League) and York Knights (Rugby League), amongst a number of other organisations. 

Dr Vishnubala has a strong interest in physical activity and preventative health with 20 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry. 

He has worked for, or been a member of advisory groups to, a number of national organisations including the Public Health England, British Lung Foundation, UK Active, CIMSPA, Active IQ and the Royal College of GPs and was a member of the UK Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Expert Communications Group. 

With a passion for medical education, Dr Vishnubala teaches regularly in physical activity, MSK and sports medicine and is Chair of Education at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, as well as being the Clinical Lead of the MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Leeds.  

He is currently also the training programme director for Sport and Exercise Medicine Specialist Training for Yorkshire and Humber, overseeing the training of doctors seeking to become specialists in sport and exercise medicine.  

Outside of medicine, Dane has a three-year old and a one-year-old that keep him busy. 

Chief Executive Officer, Charlie Ford, is delighted to welcome someone of Dr Vishnubala’s standing to the organisation.  

He said: “The addition of a Chief Medical Officer to bolster and enhance our approach and delivery from a clinical governance perspective is a huge step forward for Volleyball England and the sport. 

“Without doubt, Dr Vishnubala is one of the country’s leading SEM consultants and we are fortunate to have someone of his experience and knowledge working in the sport to help us achieve the ambitions outlined in The Game Plan.”