Keeping Toledo in the game
In recent years, one of the most significant additions to junior high and high school sports is the growing presence of medical personnel at games, events and practices.
Instead of coaches directing their players to “rub some dirt on it,” sports medicine professionals are handling injury assessment and physician referrals and determining when an athlete is ready to return to the game, as well as dealing with any legal burdens.
The University of Toledo Sports Medicine Program is an emerging player in medical coverage for the sports community. “Our program is contracted with 17 local junior high and high schools to provide a wide range of knowledgeable and convenient medical assistance,” says Burton L. Rogers, Jr., EdD, MBA, ATC, PTA, Sports Medicine Liaison at UT. “On average, certified athletic trainers are on site 20 hours a week, including games and practices, and serve virtually every scholastic sport.”
Now, UT is looking to expand its outreach. The University is providing sports coverage for UT Division I Rockets men and women teams, as well as Toledo’s semiprofessional football team, the NWO Knights. In addition, they supply the medical team for the Glass City Marathon, Catholic Youth Organization and local College Baseball World Series; strength and conditioning at Central Catholic High School; and medical consultation for the 2009 LPGA Tournament, Division I NCAA Men’s Golf Championship; and STARS football program. The comprehensive sports medicine care includes:
- Physical therapists
- Athletic trainers
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Family doctors to fully serve the athletes’ families
“Our athletes have 24 hour a day VIP access to our sports medicine specialists via our Sports Medicine Hotline because same-day treatment for an injury or illness is the quickest way to recover,” says Dr. Rogers. “In addition, our female athletes have access to Dr. Marguerite Winslow, a Sports Medicine fellowship trained Family Medicine specialist. She helps address the unique needs of female athletes.”
To make an appointment with a sports medicine specialist or for more information, call (419) 262-1556.
