Orthopedic surgery is one of the most competitive medical specialties to match into, but it also remains one of the least diverse. For the next generation of physicians, having someone to guide them can make a real difference. Advocacy means helping students understand what it takes to be competitive and…
Advocacy means using your voice to support and speak up for people who may not always have the opportunity to speak for themselves. As professionals, being an advocate goes beyond caring for our patients. It also means helping open doors for the next generation, just as our mentors once did…
The road to where we want to be rarely looks the way we imagined it would. Setbacks, unexpected detours, and moments of uncertainty can make us question our direction, but they can also shape our character and prepare us for opportunities we may not yet see. Sometimes, the obstacles we…
During busy seasons, communication becomes even more important. One simple way to stay organized as a family is by using a shared calendar. Whether it’s Google Calendar or another app, having everything in one place helps everyone stay on the same page. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t…
Feeling drained after a long day doesn’t always mean you need more caffeine. A 25 to 35 minute power nap can help you feel refreshed without throwing off your normal sleep schedule. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is simply to give your body a chance to rest. 🎧 https://bit.ly/TimeOut227…
Healthcare disparities exist in college sports, especially for programs with smaller budgets and fewer resources. But every athlete deserves access to quality care, clear communication, and a better understanding of their injuries and recovery. Supporting athletes means helping bridge those gaps and making sure they’re informed every step of the…
Staying consistent isn’t always easy, especially during busy seasons when schedules are hard to coordinate. Sometimes, doing a solo episode is the simplest way to keep showing up and keep the podcast moving. After five years, consistency has been a big part of keeping this podcast going. You don’t need…
Life gets busy. Between work, family, sports, and everything in between, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and put the things that matter most on the back burner. But busy seasons are also opportunities to build better habits, protect your energy, and learn how to keep showing up even…
A pre-participation physical is an important part of keeping young athletes safe, but it’s only one snapshot of their health. Having a pediatrician or primary care physician who knows the athlete and understands their health history can provide more consistent, ongoing care throughout the sports season. It’s also important to…
When it comes to heat illness, knowing the warning signs can make a critical difference. Excessive cramping, whole-body cramps, and especially stopping sweating can be signs that an athlete needs immediate medical attention. If an athlete is showing serious symptoms, don't wait. Call 911 and begin cooling the athlete right…
When it comes to hydration, drinking a large amount of water or an electrolyte drink right before practice isn't a substitute for staying hydrated throughout the day. Young athletes can go through long periods without drinking, then try to make up for it by quickly chugging a large amount before…
With the heat right now, nutrition and hydration need to be a priority, especially for young athletes heading into practice after a long school day. Skipping lunch, rushing out of school, and going hours without eating or drinking can leave athletes unprepared for intense practices, especially when they're spending several…
Getting back into sports is exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities for athletes, parents, and coaches. As the school year begins and sports seasons get underway, student-athletes are facing intense practices, long tournament days, and extreme heat. Knowing how to properly prepare, hydrate, recover, and respond to warning…
When it comes to health, recovery, and wellness treatments, not everything you see or hear is backed by reliable information. With so much misinformation out there, it's important to do your due diligence, use trusted sources, and take the time to verify what you're putting into or doing for your…
When an injury makes movement difficult, contrast therapy may offer another way to stimulate the body during recovery. Alternating between heat and cold causes the blood vessels to constrict and dilate, creating a cycle that can help stimulate the injured area. The goal is to mimic some of the effects…
Not all light therapy is the same, and understanding the difference matters when choosing a treatment. Blue light, red light, and infrared light can have different applications depending on what you're trying to address. From deep muscle injuries and recovery to skin concerns like wrinkles and acne, choosing the right…
When it comes to peptides and emerging recovery treatments, education should always come first. For athletes, knowing what you're putting into your body is especially important. Some peptides may be permitted, while others are prohibited by anti-doping agencies. Using something without understanding its ingredients or regulations could have serious consequences…
Taking care of your body is not just about pushing harder. It is also about understanding how your body heals, recovers, and responds to the tools we use to support it. As red light therapy, infrared treatments, and peptides become more popular, it is important to know what is backed…
Sometimes, the opportunities that make the biggest impact start with simply being willing to help. When the sports surgeon at Jackson State needed someone to step in, the plan was only to cover the team temporarily until a full-time physician could be found. Five years later, that temporary role has…
Representation matters, especially when young athletes are deciding what they want their future to look like beyond the playing field. For many students at HBCUs, seeing a Black orthopedic surgeon in their community can help them recognize that careers in sports medicine and healthcare are possible for them too. Sometimes,…
Every athlete deserves access to quality training facilities and resources, but financial gaps can make that difficult, especially at historically Black colleges and universities. While some Power 4 and Power 5 programs have state-of-the-art training facilities, many HBCUs are working with limited space, equipment, and resources. With 107 HBCUs across…
Providing quality healthcare for athletes isn’t just about having more resources. It’s about building stronger systems, creating meaningful partnerships, and making sure every athlete receives the care they deserve. HBCU athletic programs often face significant gaps in funding, staffing, facilities, nutrition, rehabilitation, and access to specialty care. These challenges can…
Every athlete deserves proper care, but limited funding can make that difficult, especially at historically Black colleges and universities. From medical care and facilities to proper nutrition, these resources can make a real difference in an athlete’s health and performance. Sometimes, providing better care means thinking outside the box and…
Every athlete is surrounded by a team—trainers, physical therapists, doctors, family, friends, agents, and more. Together, they all play a role in helping that athlete succeed. But every player is different. Some thrive with a collaborative support network, while others need a private, one-on-one space where they feel safe to…