The existence of the Department of Physical Education, since the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine in Craiova (1970), is natural if we think that physical education, sport in general and medicine are human activities that deal directly with the human body, its health, the prevention of diseases or disorders.

The first staff specialized in physical education at the Faculty of Medicine in Craiova were Asist . P. Stoica and Asist. S.Cătăneanu, who practically laid the foundations of the physical education activity in the Faculty of Medicine. The classes were held in the sports base of the Faculty of Mechanics.

As the number of students grew, the two teachers were joined by Asist. Marilena Stroe and Asist . L. Niculescu, who actively contributed to the creation of a spirit of emulation among the students. In the period 1970-1978 the sports activity diversified and was even oriented towards performance.

Among the important competitions in which our faculty was represented we mention:

- "Mediciniada" held in rotation in Cluj, Bucharest , Tg. Mures, Craiova

- First Years University Cup;

- Cross-country;

- Iuliu Hațieganu Cup held in Cluj.

The results obtained by our students at the "Mediciniada" were remarkable, obtaining 2nd place in handball, 3rd place in basketball. After 1987, due to economic reasons, the level of competition decreased and was revived in 1998 with the formation of our own physical education department.

Today the department is made up of the following staff: Asist. univ. Ciuvăț Dragoș, Asist. univ. Georgescu Ciprian, Asist. univ. Anca Șchiopu.

Following a rigorous selection process, the UMF Craiova basketball and football team was formed, which includes both Romanian and foreign students.

Since 2007 UMF Craiova has its own sports base composed of a multifunctional court with two basketball courts, one volleyball court, one handball court, one field tennis court, as well as an aerobics room equipped with specialized equipment. The work carried out by the teaching staff since 1999 has been geared towards engaging more students. Thus, the faculty's basketball team participated in the "Iuliu Hațieganu" Cup held in Cluj where it performed meritoriously. Other competitions in which medical students' teams were involved were: Cup "Medstreetball" Craiova, with the participation of students from our university and students from other faculties: Law, Electrical Engineering, Mechanics;

Within the framework of the events dedicated to the University's days, competitions were organized every year on different sports branches: table tennis, football, basketball;

In collaboration with ALUMNI we held the competition "ALUMNI Sports Days 2007" on different sports: football, field tennis, basketball.

Our future concerns include:

• Increase the number of competitions by organising championships, cups, competitions in different branches of sport.
• Strengthen basketball and football teams by organising selections for all years of study.
• Improving the material base.
• Organise competitions involving doctors, health professionals.