sports medicine

Field Ready: The Art and Science of Sideline Medicine

aostroth@vt.vcom.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:16:29 +0000

Field Ready: The Art and Science of Sideline Medicine aostroth@vt.vcom.edu Fri, 05/30/2025 - 09:16

Field Ready: The Art and Science of Sideline Medicine

The Auburn University football team physicians. Dr. Sprouse is third from right.

1748606400

Sideline medicine requires a unique blend of clinical expertise, rapid decision-making, and seamless teamwork. In a recent episode of "�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�: Beyond the White Coat," Brett Sprouse, DO, MBA, CAQSM, FAOASM, discussed the realities of working as a sideline physician and the vital role sports medicine plays in keeping athletes safe in high-pressure environments.

Dr. Sprouse, an assistant professor of Sports Medicine and OMM at �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Auburn, currently serves as the associate team physician for Auburn University and the team physician for Tuskegee University. He outlined what a typical game day looks like for a sideline physician—beginning hours before kickoff with pre-participation evaluations, taping, and stretching, followed by on-the-fly assessments and collaboration throughout the game.

“Football is very different,” Dr. Sprouse explained. “I’m usually getting here two and a half hours before kickoff. There’s more game day prep, more athletes, more coordination—it’s a whole operation.”

This level of preparation underscores the seriousness with which sports physicians approach their roles. As Dr. Sprouse put it, “You can’t just show up when the game starts. You have to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to respond the moment something happens.”

Dr. Sprouse discussed the essential skills physicians must develop to be effective in an athletic setting. These include musculoskeletal assessment, emergency response, confident communication, and the ability to remain calm in high-stakes situations. He emphasized the importance of preparation and trust in one’s training when responding to critical injuries on the field.

“When a serious injury happens, you're almost working like an emergency physician,” he said. “You have to evaluate, triage, and decide—fast.”

Equally important is collaboration. Dr. Sprouse highlighted the teamwork involved in sideline care, noting that athletic trainers, EMTs, and coaching staff all play integral roles. From hand signals to sideline huddles, coordination is key.

“One of the first things I do is check in with the athletic trainer and the EMS team,” he shared. “We use common hand signals in case we can’t yell across the field. It’s all about preparation.”

Dr. Sprouse reflected on impactful moments from his career, including times when urgent care changed the trajectory of an athlete’s health. He also offered advice for medical students interested in sports medicine: Get involved early, seek shadowing opportunities, and build relationships with sports medicine professionals. “There’s no substitute for hands-on experience,” he added.

To hear the full interview with Dr. Brett Sprouse, check out the episode on "�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�: Beyond the White Coat."

sports medicine

Auburn

By Brittany Lilla -

From Oklahoma to the Olympics: Dr. Stephanie Aldret’s Journey to Becoming a Team Physician for Team USA Gymnastics-Trampolinists

ebailey — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:07:50 +0000

From Oklahoma to the Olympics: Dr. Stephanie Aldret’s Journey to Becoming a Team Physician for Team USA Gymnastics-Trampolinists ebailey Thu, 08/01/2024 - 15:07

From Oklahoma to the Olympics: Dr. Stephanie Aldret’s Journey to Becoming a Team Physician for Team USA Gymnastics-Trampolinists

1722513600

For Stephanie Aldret, DO, FAOASM, �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Louisiana's discipline chair for family medicine and sports medicine, the journey to becoming a physician for the U.S. Olympic Women's Trampoline team is a testament to her passion for sports, health and human performance.

Growing up in Oklahoma, where her family managed a travel agency responsible for the University of Oklahoma’s football travel, Dr. Aldret was no stranger to the world of sports. "I grew up going on business trips to the Orange Bowl for college football," she recalls. With her love of football, she found her niche as a cheerleader, always on the sidelines and intrigued by human performance, movement and health.

Her journey took a pivotal turn during a high school football game when a classmate suffered a severe ankle injury. "At that point, I decided I wanted to be the person that would run out on the field and take care of the athletes and get them back to the game," she shares. This incident ignited her desire to become an athletic trainer, a dream she pursued with unwavering determination.

While attending OU, a chance encounter with an athletic trainer during a women’s basketball game set her on the path to achieving her goal. "I left cheerleading and pursued athletic training in an internship pathway," she explains. Her assignments with football, cross country and track and field teams exposed her to the crucial role of manipulation in human performance and injury prevention. She reflects, “I saw firsthand the part that manipulation played in human performance and injury prevention and realized I wanted to alter my pathway to becoming a physician—specifically an osteopathic physician so I could do 'regular medicine' plus osteopathic manipulation.”

Dr. Aldret’s ambition to become a physician for the Olympics was not initially part of her plan. Her involvement with the Endeavor Games in Edmond, Oklahoma, a Paralympic qualifying event, and subsequent volunteer opportunities, including the Sitting Volleyball World Championships, laid the groundwork for her future. After completing her sports medicine fellowship at �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Virginia, she sat for her sports medicine board certification in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there, she was invited to tour the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (USOPC) and later volunteered with this organization. Her prior experience with paralympic athletes uniquely qualified her to excel in this role.

In 2017, Dr. Aldret and her husband, Randy Aldret, EdD, ATC, LAT, CSCS*D, were accepted for volunteer positions at the USOPC. "Being accepted to this two-week rotation was an honor and achievement in and of itself," she states. This experience led to numerous opportunities, including medical coverage for the Elite Challenge and the Dave Schultz International Wrestling Tournament.

Her involvement with USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling (T&T) began during this period, ultimately leading to her role as a team physician. "I continued to work with T&T covering national team training camps, World Cups and World Championships," she elaborates. Dr. Aldret's dedication and expertise earned her the position of team physician for USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling, a role that she has held since 2018.

At the 2024 Olympics, Dr. Aldret will serve as the team doctor for USA Gymnastics-Trampoline. While this is her first Olympic experience, she anticipates an "eat, sleep and train" routine. She is excited about the adventures that lie ahead and about using her osteopathic physician skills to treat advanced athletes and help them stay in peak performance condition.

My experiences with USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling give me more stories for how OMT can be applied in various areas to improve athletic performance, how teamwork with all healthcare providers is necessary for the optimization of health and performance for our patients and to embrace all of the opportunities that are made available to you because you never know where they will take you.

Stephanie Aldret, DO, FAOASM , �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Louisiana Discipline Chair for Family Medicine & Sports Medicine

Due to the physical demands of the sport, trampolinists commonly suffer ankle sprains, tendonitis and back pain. Dr. Aldret utilizes soft tissue and manual techniques, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), to address these issues. "OMT can be very helpful with treating many of these injuries," she explains.

For Dr. Aldret, witnessing her athletes' success is the most rewarding aspect of being a team physician. "I love seeing them compete and excel," she says. The excitement and scale of the Olympics set the stage for a fantastic and memorable experience for all involved.

Her Olympic and Paralympic experiences have also deepened her appreciation for interprofessional relationships and coach collaboration. "With many of my coaches, I see where technique and safety are what they emphasize most and that many injuries can be prevented if the athletes listen to their coaches," she explained.

Dr. Aldret's Olympic role enriches her work as an instructor at �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Louisiana, where she trains future osteopathic physicians. She draws parallels between the dedication of Olympians and medical students, emphasizing the importance of preparation, planning and self-care of mind, body and spirit. "My experiences with USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling give me more stories for how OMT can be applied in various areas to improve athletic performance, how teamwork with all health care providers is necessary for the optimization of health and performance for our patients and to embrace all of the opportunities that are made available to you because you never know where they will take you."

As Dr. Aldret prepares for the Olympic Games, she encourages everyone to support Team USA, particularly trampolinists Jessica Stevens and Aliaksai Shostak, and alternates Nicole Ahsinger and Ruben Padilla. "Tune in to support Team USA!" she urges.

Dr. Aldret’s journey from the sidelines of Oklahoma football games to the forefront of Olympic sports medicine is a testament to her dedication, expertise and unwavering passion for enhancing human performance and health.

sports medicine

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

The Winning Team: Integrating Sports Medicine into Primary Care

ebailey — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:53:37 +0000

The Winning Team: Integrating Sports Medicine into Primary Care ebailey Mon, 10/09/2023 - 13:53

The Winning Team: Integrating Sports Medicine into Primary Care

1696852800

In the realm of primary care, the marriage of sports medicine and healthcare creates a powerful alliance that goes beyond the athletic field. As an integral part of comprehensive healthcare, sports medicine in primary care not only addresses the unique needs of athletes but also promotes overall wellness, preventive care and swift recovery for individuals of all ages.

Sports medicine in primary care caters to athletes at all levels, from weekend warriors to elite performers. Primary care physicians with a background in sports medicine are equipped to address the specific health concerns, injuries and performance optimization needs of individuals engaged in sports and physical activities.

Beyond treating injuries, sports medicine in primary care emphasizes preventive measures to keep individuals active and healthy. Physicians work collaboratively with patients to develop personalized plans, including injury prevention strategies, nutritional guidance and fitness recommendations tailored to their specific needs and activities.

Primary care sports medicine physicians excel in the rapid assessment and management of sports-related injuries. Timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the recovery process, allowing individuals to resume their activities with minimized downtime.

Integrating sports medicine into primary care ensures a seamless transition from injury diagnosis to rehabilitation. Physicians work closely with athletic trainers, physical therapists and other specialists to facilitate comprehensive recovery plans, optimizing the healing process and reducing the risk of recurrent injuries.

Sports-related concussions are a growing concern, and primary care sports medicine physicians are at the forefront of concussion management. From accurate diagnosis to step-wise return-to-play protocols, these professionals ensure the safety and well-being of athletes who have experienced head injuries.

Sports medicine in primary care is not only about treating injuries but also optimizing performance. Physicians collaborate with athletes to enhance their physical capabilities through evidence-based training and conditioning programs, promoting peak performance and minimizing the risk of overuse injuries.

Primary care sports medicine extends its benefits beyond professional athletes to individuals of all ages. Whether it's a teenager in high school sports or an older adult engaging in recreational activities, the principles of sports medicine in primary care apply universally, catering to the diverse needs of an active population.

The collaboration between primary care physicians, orthopedic specialists, athletic trainers, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals forms a robust team approach. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that patients receive holistic and well-coordinated care, addressing both their general health and sports-specific needs.

At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�), we are committed to a holistic view of health care, and we know that the integration of sports medicine into primary care creates a winning team dedicated to the overall well-being of individuals with active lifestyles, which is why we are so committed to our sports medicine programs. From injury prevention to rapid recovery and performance optimization, primary care sports medicine plays a crucial role in keeping us all in the game of life.

sports medicine

By Mark Sanders -

Court of Dreams: Caring for Virginia Tech’s Championship Basketball Team

ebailey — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:45:01 +0000

Court of Dreams: Caring for Virginia Tech’s Championship Basketball Team ebailey Tue, 04/04/2023 - 09:45

Court of Dreams: Caring for Virginia Tech’s Championship Basketball Team

1680609600

Mary Mitchell, DO (above, far right), insists that she has the best job.

Dr. Mitchell is an associate professor in the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Virginia’s Department of Family Medicine, but she’s also part of �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�’s nationally recognized sports medicine program, which provides medical care to Virginia Tech’s sports teams.

Dr. Mitchell has the privilege of being the team physician for the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team, which had a truly remarkable season, winning the ACC Tournament title and reaching the final four of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by eventual champion Louisiana State University. For good reason, Blacksburg has been all-in on this team and for Dr. Mitchell, this season has been a highlight of her career.

As team physician, Dr. Mitchell, along with others, provides primary care for the members of the team, ensuring that they receive the best care, not just for their body, but also for their mind and soul. People often think team physicians only interact with members of the team when they’re injured, but Dr. Mitchell provides a wide range of care to the team. “Shy of surgery, I manage everything from their athletic injuries to acute illness to preventative care,” she says.

The Virginia Tech athletics program has embraced the osteopathic philosophy. “Osteopathic manipulative treatments are a large component of the care we provide to the athletes,” Dr. Mitchell notes. “We not only offer pregame osteopathic treatments, which the women's basketball team regularly partakes in, but also treatments not associated with game time to help treat and prevent injuries.”

It's a role that provides a lot of personal satisfaction for Dr. Mitchell. “As cliche as this sounds, my favorite part of this job is the athletes,” she says. “They are the reason I show up. They are the reason I love what I do. Nothing gives me greater joy than watching them come back from an injury and succeeding.”

She began in the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�-Virginia Tech sports medicine fellowship program when this year’s seniors were just freshmen, so she’s been able to watch them grow, making the season all the more special. “I have gotten to know these girls and genuinely care about them so deeply,” she shares enthusiastically. “I have loved getting to know the entire team and watch them grow into the strong, amazing women that they have become! I'm proud that they haven't let anyone define what they are capable of.”

Check out the video below of Dr. Mitchell cutting down the net after the ACC Championship game!

community sports medicine

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

Radford Athletics Announces Partnership With �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� For Sports Medicine Center

Anonymous — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Radford Athletics Announces Partnership With �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� For Sports Medicine Center Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/30/2019 - 00:00

Radford Athletics Announces Partnership With �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� For Sports Medicine Center

1567166400

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University Athletics and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�) have entered a partnership to provide Highlander student-athletes a state-of-the-art 4,300 square foot sports medicine facility. In addition, Radford University Athletics will continue to be a training ground for young physicians in the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� Sports Medicine Fellowship. For several years, �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� has provided the Team Physicians and Medical Director for Radford University Athletics. With this partnership, �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� and Radford University are insuring high-quality medical care for student-athletes for years to come.

The �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� Sports Medicine Center is the starting point for all of Radford University’s student-athletes’ health care needs. The clinic will provide a positive setting for student-athletes as well as an attraction for the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. With the new facility, all Sports Medicine providers (athletic trainers, team physicians, physical therapists and nutritionists) will be able to operate out of one main facility, helping to insure enhanced communication and consistent care to all student-athletes.

Located on the second floor of the Dedmon Center, the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� Sports Medicine Center is centered and convenient to the hub of activity for all student-athletes. The facility is only steps away from the arena, the Learning Enhancement Center and the Center for Strength and Conditioning. The new facility includes separate areas for treatment, taping, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and staff offices. In this facility, the sports medicine staff is able to provide medical examinations, treatment and rehabilitation, physical therapy, stretching, taping and other pre-practice and competition services to the student-athletes.

One of the highlights of the Sports Medicine Center is the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� Sports Medicine Physician Suite where the �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� team physicians and Sports Medicine Fellows provide care to all of the student-athletes. The main treatment area boasts state of the art modalities including ultrasound, electrical stimulation and laser therapy. The hydrotherapy area features two side-by-side warm and cold hydrotherapy consoles to be used for treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries from sprained ankles to strained backs and everything in between.

“The new and enhanced Sports Medicine Center will give our staff the appropriate space, equipment and resources needed to keep our student-athletes functioning at the level they need to be competitive in the Big South Conference,” said Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, Chad Hyatt. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide the premier sports medicine services in the conference to our student-athletes and coaches.”

“This is a wonderful extension of the great partnership between �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� and Radford University. This tremendous upgrade in facilities puts all of our sports medicine professionals together under one roof, which really promotes the team approach to athletic medical care.”

Delmas J. Bolin, MD (Head Team Physician and Medical Director)

“�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� is pleased to partner with Radford University to provide the new �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� Sports Medicine Center. This facility allows �鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ�’s sports medicine physicians, fellows and RU trainers to provide athletes with access to state-of-the-art care."

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO (�鶹��ƷAƬ��ѹۿ� President and Provost)

sports medicine

12695

Virginia