Path to Excellence: A Sports Medicine Professional’s Journey

Dr. Vincenzo Tota is an Italian physician specializing in sports medicine and traumatology. Graduating from the University of Siena in 1990, he further honed his expertise with advanced studies in orthopedics, osteopathy, sports psychology, and even space medicine. His unique blend of medical knowledge and firsthand racing experience—highlighted by victories in the Camel Trophy and multiple offshore championships—positions him as a leading authority in motorsport health and performance.

Education

1977-1982: School-leaving examinations Scientific course
1982: Medicine and Surgery, University in Siena (I)

Work Activities

11989: Attending student in “Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica” (Surgery dept.)
1990: Degree in Medicine and Surgery, full marks (110/110 + lode) (I) -- Thesis: “L’ernia del disco nel calciatore” (The discal hernia in football player).
1994: Specialisation in Sport Medicine Traumatology course at the Istituto di Clinica Ortopedica in Florence, full marks (70/70) (I) -- Thesis: “Trans oesophagus stimulation in the athlete cardiac pre-excitation”.
1991: Attending doctor at the “Orthopaedic Department” in Winchester (UK).
1993: Attending doctor at the “Orthopaedic Department and Sport Clinic” Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto (CAN).
1995: Master in Space Medicine Operations, attending the flight Clinic and the mission control for the Aircraft medical operations, STS 67 Space Shuttle “Endeavour” flight. NASA Johnson Space Center Houston (TX), and NASA Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral (FL).
1999: Master in Sport Psychology, Siena University (I)
2009: Certified as Chief Medical Officer at the ACI CSAI (Italian FIA)
2013: Certified as Chief Medical Officer at the FIM (motorbike federation)
2012: Degree in Osteopathy ICOM in Milan (I) certified D.O.

Participation in several medical conferences on surgery, sport medicine, and sport traumatology.

Member of the ICMS (International Council Motorsport Sciences)

1997: 1st Italian congress on motorsport medicine – Work on the Physical and Psychological training of professional drivers.
1997: ICMS annual conferences – Work on the Physical and Psychological training of professional drivers. Las Vegas (NEV)
1999: Italian conference on cycling – Work on cyclists’ traumatology. Siena (II)
2003: Italian Conference on medicine applied to soccer, Host. Siena (I)

Professional Contributons

1989: Founder and manager of SOS Europe, providing medical care and rescue teams to sport events:5th Rally Greece Off Road, Camel Trophy Italian selections, Rally “Le Grand” Elba island, 1st Grand Raid D’Italia
1990 – 1991 – 1992- 1993: Several Sahara expeditions.
1991: BMW Team Bigazzi Doctor (DTM), Nannini Formula Doctor
1992 – 1995: BMW Motorsport GmbH Doctor for all the BMW sport activities
1995 – 2006: BMW Motorsport Official Doctor worldwide.
1995 – present: Director of the Sport Medicine Center of Siena associated at FMSI (Italian Sport Medicine Federation).
1996 – 2001: Medical Director of “AUDAX TECHMED” GmbH, leading a group of MDs and physiotherapists managing medical assistance and physical training for several teams, including:VW Motorsport, Chrysler Motorsport, ABT Audi Team, Aprilia Grand Prix (D), Agusta Racing, Kremer Racing, ADAC Formula Junior, Porsche Carrera Cup, German Formula 3, Scuderia Italia, German and Swedish National Ice Speedway teams.
1999: Teacher at the Siena (I) Olympic Committee of Sport Medicine and First Aid Techniques for Physical trainers
1999: Teacher at the Gaeta (I) Military base of Medicine and psychology applied to drivers of “Vedette Velocissime” (high velocity patrolling motorboat), used in the fight against clandestine immigration.
1999: BMW Motorsport Ltd F1 Test Team Doctor, including the organisation and management of the rescue team at the Miramas Circuit (F) BMW Test Center.
2000: Teacher at the Siena University (I), Master in Sport Psychology for M.D. and P.H.D.
2001 – 2002: Official Doctor of the Cadillac Team
2001 – 2002: Medical consultant at the Vista Palace Hotel, Roquebrune (F)
2001 – present: Medical Director of “TECHMED”, leading a group of MDs and physiotherapists for medical assistance and physical training of several teams.
2002: Teacher at the Formia (I) GDF Military base of Medicine and psychology applied to drivers of “Vedette Velocissime”.
2002: KTM Enduro School (Fasola) Medical Doctor
2002 – 2005: Medical responsible of safety and rescue at the Michelin F1 Test Centre at Ladoux (F) in co-operation with BMW Williams F1 Team.
2003 – present: Official Medical Doctor BMW Motorrad Motorsport (SBK)
2003 – 2004: Official Medical Doctor Champion Racing Audi North America
2004: BMW Formula (D, GB, USA, Asia) Medical & Fitness Supervisor
2004: Official Medical Doctor Audi Team Goh Japan
2005 – 2012: Official Medical Doctor of the Krohn Racing Team USA
2006 – 2012: Team Supervisor Krohn Racing USA
2010: CMO at the Circuito di Siena (International Go-Kart Track)
2013 – present: Official medical doctor of the BWRT Brazilian rally team

Awards

1987: Gold medal of “Concistoro del Mangia“ Siena
1987: Premio “Città di Siena”
1988: Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary international
2011: Premio “CONI sport managers of the year”

Other Awards

1984: Sahara Expedition – Suzuki – Tunisia, Algeria, Niger
1985-1986-1987: Italian off road championship – Suzuki, Rover. 3rd (87)
1986: 1st Rally Greece Off Road – Suzuki – 3rd (10th overall).
1987: Camel Trophy Madagascar Winner – Range Rover.
1988: Pharaohs Rally Egypt – Prototype.
1998: Venezia – Monte Carlo, off shore endurance race – Cigarette 31, 2nd (7th overall).
1999: European Endurance off shore championship – FB Design 38, European Champion, 1st in all the races.
2000: World Endurance off shore championship – Tornado 30, World-European-Italian Champion, tourism class.
2001: World Endurance off shore championship – SuperClassic 40, World-European-Italian Champion, tourism class.
2002: World Endurance off shore championship – FB Design RIB 33, World-European-Italian Champion, tourism class, 1st in all the races.
2003: SPBA Trophy Naples – Tornado 30 Winner Tourism class.

Languages

Italian: Mother tongue
English: Excellent both written and spoken
French: Basic knowledge
Spanish: Basic knowledge