Dr Andre’ Abela Decelis, a medical doctor specialising in family medicine and a key member of Ħamrun Spartans’ medical team, has earned a Master of Science degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of South Wales. His latest academic milestone is underpinned by a focused and timely research project on the prevention of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
With four years of experience working with Ħamrun Spartans, currently competing in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Dr Abela Decelis has applied his growing expertise to support elite-level athletes both on and off the pitch. His newly completed two-year postgraduate programme equips him with advanced clinical knowledge in injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports psychology, and athlete health management.
At the heart of his MSc is an independent research study into the rare but devastating phenomenon of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. His work analysed the primary causes of sudden cardiac death, including inherited conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
His study went further, evaluating the effectiveness of preparticipation cardiovascular screening, the role of genetic testing, and the use of cutting-edge wearable ECG monitors and mobile-based diagnostics to catch red flags before tragedy strikes.
This Master’s degree has given me the tools to better protect and support athletes, not just in diagnosing injuries, but in preventing life-threatening conditions like sudden cardiac death, Dr Abela Decelis told Malta Sport. I’m passionate about making sport safer for all, especially here in Malta.
With youth sports participation on the rise locally, Dr Abela Decelis believes Malta must prioritise cardiac screening programmes and emergency response planning, especially at the grassroots level.
His academic journey was supported by the Malta Sports Scholarship, an initiative of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, which funds aspiring professionals seeking to improve standards in local sport.
As Maltese football becomes more competitive and physically demanding, experts like Dr Abela Decelis are at the forefront of raising health and safety standards, ensuring that sport not only inspires, but protects.
