The  German Academy of Applied Sports Medicine (GAASM) was founded in 2004 by Dr. Homer Gharavi MD, PhD., PhD., and is the only institution in Germany to promote Athletic Training as it is known in the United States.  After obtaining a PhD in both, sports science and medicine, Gharavi received a stipend to attend the University of California, Davis.

"I was given a tour through various labs, where I was supposed to start my research as a medical graduate, when we passed this room ... I saw athletes being taped, strechted and evaluated. It was one of those moments, when you instantly know - this is what you want.", Homer remembers. "I talked to Jeff Hogan, Head Athletic Trainer at UC Davis, and asked him to please take me in - not as a doctor or a professor but as a student. Those years as a Student Athletic Trainer truly changed my academic and professional life!".  For two years, Homer learned, studied and experienced the art and science of Athletic Training under the wings of Jeff Hogan.

"Today, my work as the Physician of the German National Swim Team, consists of 5% of being a medical doctor and 95% Athletic Training. This results from a simple equation: Athletic Training = Applied Sports Medicine.", Homer states.

Therefore, after returning to Germany he founded GAASM, its sole purpose being to introduce and to promote Athletic Training in Germany and Europe. This is mainly accomplished through the conduction of Athletic Care courses and the International Exchange Program.

Athletic Care courses serve the purpose to introduce Athletic Training to professionals - mainly German Physical Therapists as well as sports scientists - interested in Sports Medicine. After passing a final exam, participants are ‘GAASM Certified Athletic Caregivers’ who stand out among their colleagues on the sidelines by providing a high-level care.