Behind the Sports Medicine

When Metrics Help and When They Hurt: Why Sports Science Data Alone is Not EnoughHow can teams move beyond simply collecting data to making smarter, more athlete-centered decisions that truly impact performance and reduce injuries, even on a budget?In this episode, Shaun Owen, Sports Science Coordinator for the Boston Red Sox, joins host Andrew Rizza to pull back the curtain on how elite organizations bridge the gap between data, research, and on-field performance. Based on his experience in rugby and high-performance sport in New Zealand and South Africa, as well as his work with the Red Sox, Owen explains how sports science uses data, technology, and athlete monitoring to guide decisions while still accounting for context and athlete feedback. Drawing from the work of Martin Buchheit, the conversation explores the industry's evolution from the foundational research of sport science 1.0 to the technological boom of sport science 2.0 and its metric-driven nature, before reaching sport science 3.0, which is less data-driven and more data-informed. The discussion also covers why sleep may be the most underrated recovery tool in sports, how simple metrics like Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) can still provide powerful insights even without expensive technology, and the growing role of AI and machine learning in biomechanics and injury prevention. Owen also offers practical advice for organizations with limited resources and guidance for students interested in pursuing careers in sports science.MEET THE GUEST- Sports Science Coordinator, Boston Red Sox- Former Sports Scientist with the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Football Union (New Zealand)- PhD in Sports Science, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)TOPICS DISCUSSED- The evolution of sports science and athlete monitoring- The importance of sleep, recovery, and athlete habits- Why RPE remains one of the most valuable monitoring tools- Balancing data analytics with real-world coaching context- The future of AI and machine learning in sports performance- Advice for students and professionals pursuing careers in sports science HIGHLIGHTS02:07 – Shaun Owen's Educational Background & Early Career04:46 – Birth of Modern Sports Science in Australia07:24 – Evolution of Sports Science in US Professional Sports09:58 – The Role of the Sports Scientist in the Red Sox Medical Team14:33 – Key Metrics: Volume, Acceleration, Heart Rate & High-Speed16:12 – Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Sleep Performance19:28 – Getting Buy-In on Nutrition & Sleep Habits23:27 – Sports Science 3.0: Knowing the Athlete & Data-Informed Decisions30:36 – AI's Role in Sports Science36:16 – One Essential Tool: Building a Data Pipeline37:07 – Sleep, Wellness & RPE Tracking for Teams with Low Resources44:17 – RPE: High School and Collegiate Versus Pro Athletics47:05 – Sports Science Career Advice: Studies, Experience & Mentors50:06 – Shaun's Hobbies: Rugby & Rock ClimbingQUOTES17:52 – “Where athletes, you look at recovery, they want to go do something that feels hard, say get in an ice bath, they feel like they've recovered, do something that's really making them feel like they put the work in to accelerate their recovery, where nine times out of 10, an extra hour of sleep's going to outperform any of that.” – Shaun Owen21:47 – “As far as the conversations with athletes themselves, I think anything that can show them a hard number of what's happening — and this goes for all things, performance, correlations, anything, anything that we really believe in — if we can show it on an individual level for that person, it becomes quite valuable and strong in telling that story.” – Shaun Owen35:09 – “Biomechanics is in the spotlight now, but you're essentially working with machine learning and computer vision. And those two hand in hand have an untapped amount of opportunity in the field.” – Shaun OwenLINKS Martin Buchheit - “Sports Science 3.0: Integrating Technology and AI with Foundational Knowledge” - https://martin-buchheit.net/2024/08/12/sports-science-3-0-integrating-technology-and-ai-with-foundational-knowledge/ RELATED EPISODESBehind the Sports Medicine Podcast:Inside the Life of an MLB Athletic Trainer with Anthony Cerundolo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO0e5m2rkVg DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#SportsScience #SportsMedicine #BostonRedSox #SportsAnalytics #InjuryPrevention

How do you keep a Major League roster healthy through the 162-game marathon of a professional baseball season? And what does it really take to build and lead a championship-level sports medicine operation?In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth are joined by Brad Pearson, Senior Vice President of Sports Medicine for the Boston Red Sox. With over two decades of experience in the organization, Pearson shares his journey from a determined intern at Springfield College to leading a massive, multi-disciplinary team that supports the multi-time World Series champions.The conversation explores the evolving pathway for athletic trainers in professional sports, the intense "grit" required to survive the minor league grind, and the cultural shift toward a holistic performance model that includes behavioral health, nutrition, and sports science. Pearson also sheds light on the importance of "braking systems" in training and the anti-inflammatory secrets of recovery, before discussing the benefits and limits of AI technology in the sport.MEET THE GUEST- Senior Vice President of Sports Medicine, Boston Red Sox- 20+ years of experience within the Red Sox organization- Former Major League Head Athletic Trainer and Minor League Medical CoordinatorTOPICS DISCUSSED- Daily challenges of pro baseball sports medicine- Collaborating with other professionals and the growth of sports medicine staffs- The role of technology and AI in the sport- Managing second opinions and executive pressure- Advice for prosHighlights00:47 – Breaking into Pro Sports as an Athletic Trainer01:42 – The Reality of the Minor League Grind02:34 – Pearson's 20-Year Journey with the Red Sox04:40 – Challenges of Working in a Championship Organization06:26 – Managing Different Player Personalities: Grinders vs. Talent08:14 – Sponsors: Met One Technologies08:44 – Key Collaborators: Nutrition, Psych, and Strength & Conditioning10:29 – The Investment in Large Sports Medicine Staffs11:46 – Consistency Through Winning and Rebuilding Seasons12:55 – A Day in the Life of a Senior VP of Sports Medicine14:21 – Navigating Pressure from Senior Executives15:42 – Managing Player Second Opinions18:24 – Maintaining the Passion Through a 162-Game Season19:47 – The Role of Technology and Data in the Training Room22:42 – Current MLB Research and the UCL "Riddle"23:29 – Is AI Ready to Predict Injuries?29:08 – Guiding Principles for a Career in Sports31:02 – Lightning Round: Training and Nutrition Tips32:30 – Pearson's Favorite Red Sox Championship Teams34:52 – Favorite and Least Favorite BallparksQUOTES (Adjusted)18:56 – “That's one thing we always try to remind ourselves, that this is a game and we need to be having fun. And if we can achieve that, then the other stuff is frosting on the cake.”19:21 – “There's always something new that I learn about baseball, and that's what attracted me to it from a sports medicine perspective, because I just felt like there was so much to learn still. There's so many things we still don't know about the injury process in baseball players that you really get to problem solve and innovate, and that kind of keeps my fire burning.”29:25 – “In athletic training, in sports medicine, this is a people business, so if you think that you're going to be a turd and do well for the long term, man, you better be bringing something extraordinary to the table from a talent standpoint. So I think how you treat people and how you communicate is really important.”30:14 – “To be the best or to make it to the pinnacle of any industry, you have to be obsessed. I'm sorry to say, this place that everybody wants to be in is very difficult. I think you have to sacrifice something.”LINKSBrad Pearson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-pearson-463645152/ RELATED EPISODESThe Surgeon Who Saved Sports - Meet Dr. Andrews - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkvI56ZiabA&t=1s Former NFL Cornerback Played the Game, Now He’s Changing It (Dominique Foxworth) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odPHjAMB8Ec&t SPONSOR: Met One Technologies - http://www.met1tech.comDISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#SportsMedicine #BostonRedSox #AthleticTraining #SportsScience #HumanPerformance

In the Athletic Training profession, salaries are stagnant, youth sports are being neglected, and practitioners are forced to get advanced certifications to make an adequate income. How did the profession get here, and what can we do to ensure its future viability?In this episode, John Lopez joins host Andrew Rizza for an extensive look at the past, present, and future of athletic training. With Lopez’s career beginning in 1970, it spans collegiate athletics, the NFL, education, and industry leadership. In this discussion, he offers an honest and sometimes blunt assessment of where the profession has succeeded, where it has missed major opportunities, and what must change to ensure long-term sustainability.The conversation covers the documentation problem that is killing advocacy, third-party reimbursement pitfalls, PRN exploitation, brain drain drivers, the potential impact of NIL on collegiate healthcare, and youth sports neglect, while charting paths to ROI proof, the power of mentorship, and non-traditional wins. Lopez also provides practical advice for young athletic trainers entering the field.MEET THE GUEST- Certified Athletic Trainer since 1970 - NFL AT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts- Sports medicine sales job with Collin Sports Medicine- Former Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer at Coppin State UniversityTOPICS DISCUSSED- The decline of NATA - Transitioning to non-traditional settings (Industrial & corporate) - The documentation deficiency and proving your worth - Advanced certifications - Youth Sports and PRN exploitationHIGHLIGHTS01:30 – Lopez's Career Path in Athletic Training06:34 – The NATA Membership Crisis10:14 – The Paradigm Shift with Conferences and Meetings11:52 – Cost Challenges for NATA12:48 – Non-Traditional Athletic Trainers and NATA18:49 – Advocating for Fair Pay & the Documentation Deficiency26:31 – Third-Party Reimbursement29:53 – Workers' Compensation Law & NIL Complications33:20 – Are Advanced Certifications Worth It?39:19 – Youth Sports Neglect and PRN Abuse45:13 – Allies & Revenue Tracking49:44 – Advice for Up-and-Coming Athletic Trainers56:07 – Fun Fact About Lopez: The Accordion🗣️ Quotes14:34 – “If you look at that historically, General Motors hired their first certified athletic trainer to reduce their injuries in 1965. They realized they paid Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan more money in premiums than what their profits were every year. So they said, ‘This is insanity, we can't keep up with this!’ So they started hiring athletic trainers.”20:37 – “So we're not driving our salary because we can't point out our value. We do a very poor job, as a profession, in documentation.”21:09 – “The issue that we have done is that we haven't proclaimed what our worth is. We don't really know how to tell people how much we're worth.”26:05 – “And a lot of times you're meeting with your principal or your athletic director at the collegiate setting, all we talk about is we're working too many hours, but yet we don't stand there and say, ‘Look how many athletes I treated; this is the documentation that I have. This is the number of—’ We don't do that. We'll sit there and complain about it. So it's very difficult for you to move the process forward if you don't have documentation to back yourself up.”50:33 – “You’ve got to develop stronger relationships with your mentors. Mentorship is so important in our profession.” LINKSJohn Lopez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lopez-264ba44/ RELATED EPISODES The Future of Athletic Training with Dr. Chad Starkey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abGrBM19qZw DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#AthleticTraining #SportsMedicine #InjuryPrevention #NATA #SportsScience

In a world where professional and collegiate sports are billion-dollar industries, why do the athletic trainers who keep these athletes on the field continue to earn salaries that don’t reflect their value?In this episode, Andrew Rizza is joined by Dr. Ross Dexter, the Assistant Athletic Director for Health and Performance at Southern Oregon University. Dr. Dexter shares his own career journey and how he successfully secured meaningful raises for himself and his staff by understanding the system instead of fighting against it. The conversation explores the "ACL ROI"—the idea that preventing a single surgery can pay for an entire staff member’s salary—and the necessity of moving beyond the "water bottle and towel" stereotype. They also discuss the importance of being good at what you do, how to build a referral network, the role of professional organizations like NATA, and the realities of the current job market. Dr. Dexter provides a masterclass in how athletic trainers can become indispensable assets to their institutions and advocate for the compensation they deserve. MEET THE GUEST Dr. Ross Dexter, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS- Assistant Athletic Director for Health and Performance, Southern Oregon University- Former Head Athletic Trainer - Doctor of Athletic TrainingTOPICS DISCUSSED - The state of athletic training salaries and job market realities- Navigating institutional red tape and job reclassification- Why clinical excellence drives advocacyHIGHLIGHTS01:02 – The Evolution of Athletic Training03:11 – Dr. Dexter's Career Journey04:49 – Calculating the ROI of an Athletic Trainer08:40 – Moving Beyond the "Water Bottle and Towel" Perception11:31 – Strength & Conditioning vs. Athletic Training13:44 – Salary & Value Comparisons15:52 – Making the Reality of Athletic Training Visible and Exciting23:54 – Advocating for the Profession by Being Good at What You Do31:34 – The Evolution of Athletic Trainer Salaries38:58 – Dr. Dexter's Referral Network41:12 – Leveraging Competition to Improve Staff Salaries42:12 – A Model for the Continuity of Care44:38 – Market Trends: Why Job Openings Are Staying Open46:42 – Investigating HR Law to Break Pay Barriers50:19 – Advocating for Fair Pay and Building a Better Profession58:01 – The Role of NATA and Political ActionQUOTES:05:17 – “Look, one of my staff's salary for a year, not including benefits, is equal to one surgery that our insurance is going to have to pay for, and if we can do two-thirds of that in-house, we’re saving a ton of money. If we can prevent it or mitigate the risk of it happening, we're saving a lot of money.”07:18 – “My personal and professional position is that I am, and we are, the bulwark against major lawsuits.”20:26 – “One of the most fascinating things about athletic training is when we're at our best, doing our best job, we're not doing anything.”24:58 – “And one of the best ways to advocate for the profession is being very, very good at what you do.”54:00 – “Building a better profession, I think, means advocacy, it means outcomes, it means relationship building, it means program development. And I think that matrix of things and touch points for getting paid.”” LINKSDr. Ross Dexter - https://souraiders.com/staff-directory/dr-ross-dexter/226RELATED EPISODES Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast: The Future of Athletic Training with Dr. Chad Starkey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abGrBM19qZw Inside the Training Secrets of MLB’s Top Athletes (with Eric Cressey) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgcAyO0YwQ DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#AthleticTraining #SportsMedicine #AthleticTrainer #HealthcareAdvocacy

A Pro Triathlete’s Guide to Avoiding Burnout, Injury, and OvertrainingWhat does it really take to train like a professional triathlete? And how can you train longer and harder without burning out, getting injured, or peeing yourself mid-race (unless it’s voluntary)?In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth chat with Lukas Siska, professional triathlete, founder of Siska Training Systems, and elite endurance coach who helped guide Dr. Roth through his first 70.3 half-Ironman. Siska shares his journey from collegiate swimmer and division one runner to competing on the triathlon circuit, including his pursuit of Olympic qualification and his transition to long-course racing.The conversation explores the physical and mental demands of long-course racing and some specific biomechanics of swim and bike efficiency. It delves into the realities of high-volume endurance training: managing fatigue, avoiding overtraining, preventing injuries, mental resilience, recovery strategies, and nutrition myths. Siska offers practical coaching insights for athletes at every level and reminds us that consistency beats perfection every time.MEET THE GUEST- Professional triathlete - Elite endurance coach- Founder, Siska Training Systems- Former D1 Cross Country Athlete and State-Qualifying SwimmerTOPICS DISCUSSEDThe realities of elite endurance training and long-course triathlonHow to manage fatigue, avoid burnout, and train consistentlyInjury prevention, recovery strategies, and the role of sleepMental resiliencePractical nutrition tipsWhy personalized coaching still beats AI-generated training plansHIGHLIGHTSQUOTES14:32 – “If you're in a long-distance race, you’ve just got to break it down in your mind and be in the moment, and you can get into this flow state where time just goes differently. You can do it. The bottom line is that you can do it.”15:50 – “In the beginning, you kind of deny it, at least I was. I always kind of denied that I'm injured, and then I keep going and make it worse. And then, once you finally accept that, hey, I'm injured, I've got to do something about this— I always try to tell myself that, okay, I've got to stop. Whatever I lose in terms of my performance right now, I'm going to get it back way more once I'm healthy.”19:55 – “Consistency is really what makes the difference. If you can do something consistent over a long period of time, that’s what’s going to make that performance come about.”39:31 – “Top mistake I would say is a lack of consistency. If you're consistent, even if you have a bad plan, you can get somewhere. But if you don't have consistency, you can't do anything.”40:19 – “I think just showing up every day. Again, I guess that just goes back to consistency. Just some days you don't feel like it, but you just do it, you don't give yourself the option not to. That produces results.”LINKS Siska Systems: https://siskasystems.com Siska Training Systems on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@siskatrainingsystems DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#TriathlonTraining #Ironman703 #SportsScience #EnduranceTraining #AthleteRecovery

What happens when medical decision-making collides with pressure from star athletes, agents, and public scrutiny? For one of the most respected team physicians in professional sports, the answer is simple: treat the human, not the hype.In this live episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth are joined at the Harvard Varsity Club by renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine leader Dr. Thomas Gill, former Head Team Physician for the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He shares from his decades of experience caring for athletes at every level, from youth and high school sports to the NFL and MLB. Together, they examine the risks of changing protocols for high-profile athletes, and how anatomy, biomechanics, and the “biology of healing" should guide recovery timelines, not urgency or star power. The discussion also covers surgical innovation, challenges in youth sports, retirement conversations, and the value of treating athletes as human beings first.MEET THE GUEST Dr. Thomas Gill, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist- Former Head Team Physician for the New England Patriots (NFL)- Former Head Team Physician for the Boston Red Sox (MLB)- Director of the Boston Sports Medicine and Research InstituteTOPICS DISCUSSED- Rotator cuff repairs and biceps tenodesis advances- Pro sports medicine: Red Sox vs Patriots differences- Managing demanding star athletes' return-to-play- The biology of healing vs. the pressure of return to play- Retirement conversationsHIGHLIGHTS01:18 — The Boston Sports Medicine and Research Center Update02:07 — Augmentation & Biologic Healing03:45 — Why Biceps Tenodesis Is on the Rise05:10 — Diagnosing Biceps Pathology06:04 — Sponsor: Met One Technologies06:35 — Life as a Team Doc: Patriots (NFL) vs. Red Sox (MLB)09:35 — High School and Youth Sports12:15 — Defining Moments in Return to Play15:16 — Managing Star Athletes in Return to Play21:08 — Broaching Retirement Conversations23:25 — Lightning Round: Supplements, Core Strength, etc.QUOTES:10:45 — “But the thing about sports — it's not just the wins and the losses, but the studies are pretty clear [that] when kids are involved in sports at a young age, they do better in school, they get into less trouble after school, they get more confidence. And I don't like to use the word ‘successful', but whatever their passions are, they're more successful forward because of what they learned in the concept of a team, how to work within a team, a structure, an organization, how to build leadership.”— Dr. Thomas Gill13:09 — “You might say, ‘Sure, that's fine. If you feel up to it, you can do it.’ But if you know the anatomy, the biology of healing— We did a study, for instance, in rotator cuffs in sheep, in a sheep model. At three months after a rotator cuff repair, there's only 28% healing of the tendon to the bone, 28. So you hear about people doing the resistive exercises starting at six weeks, you have to say, what are we doing?”— Dr. Thomas Gill15:06 — “I think with the right care and the proper care, people can get back safely even after something like a stroke. And that's the great thing about our field: it opens new doors and prevents new challenges.”— Dr. Thomas Gill16:29 — “These athletes, men, women, they all want to get back and play, but you have to remember they're human beings first, athletes second, their biology works the same, and you have to educate them. You just have to take the time to try to educate them why you're making the decisions that you are.”— Dr. Thomas GillLINKSlDr. Thomas Gill, MD: https://bostonsportsmedicine.com/about-us/#gill The Boston Sports Medicine and Research Center - https://bostonsportsmedicine.com RELATED EPISODESRob Ninkovich and Dr Thomas Gill on Injuries, Rehab & the Mental Side of Quitting the NFL - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUOakw6Sz4g The Surgeon Who Saved Sports - Meet Dr. Andrews - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkvI56ZiabA “Let No One Outwork You”: Isaiah Kacyvenski’s Journey From Poverty to the NFL & Venture Capital - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkFHaeGbsn0SPONSOR: Met One Technologies - http://www.met1tech.comDISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#SportsMedicine #AthleteHealth #ReturnToPlay #OrthopedicSurgery #InjuryPrevention

Dr. Frances Meredith on the Biopsychosocial Approach to Sports MedicineMany patients and athletes with concussion-related or chronic symptoms (brain fog, fatigue, mood changes, autoimmune issues) continue to experience lingering challenges despite receiving standard medical care. Today’s guest believes this is often because the biological, psychological, and social drivers of health are not always addressed together within a single care framework.In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth are joined live from the 2025 NATA Convention in Orlando by Dr. Frances Meredith, a physician trained in primary care and infectious disease who now practices functional medicine, with a focus on concussion recovery, autoimmunity, and whole-person care.Dr. Meredith explains how functional medicine differs from traditional Western medical models and why patients should be active participants in their own healthcare. The conversation explores why concussions can be understood as whole-body injuries, how inflammation and metabolic factors may contribute to lingering symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, and why recovery often benefits from a truly multimodal, team-based approach.DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.MEET THE GUEST Frances Meredith, MDFunctional Medicine PhysicianFounder, Stribling Springs WellnessFormerly trained in Primary Care & Infectious DiseasesMedical Director of MyConcussionDRTOPICS DISCUSSED Understanding functional medicine The patient as an active participant in healthcare The evolution of concussion treatment Biopsychosocial medicine and team-based care The functional medicine approach to weight managementHIGHLIGHTS 00:56 – Intro to Functional Medicine 01:47 – Functional Medicine vs. Western Medicine 04:34 – Sponsors: Met One Technologies & Get Raw 05:37 – Listening to Patients 08:14 – Dr. Meredith's Team 09:23 – Patient Demographics 10:25 – Brain Fog & Contributing Factors 11:36 – Treatment Focus: Food & Lifestyle First 12:48 – Younger Patients: Autoimmunity & Concussions 14:16 – Concussions as a Whole Body Injury 16:00 – A Team Approach to Concussion Treatment 18:22 – Supporting Neurological Health and Risk Reduction 21:53 – The Biopsychosocial Model and Functional Medicine 24:05 – Advocating for Functional Medicine in Sports Medicine 25:39 – Medical Weight Loss & Factors Contributing to Weight Gain 27:38 – Understanding Functional Medicine & ResourcesQUOTES:01:03 – “Functional medicine, the way I think about it based on my experience in more traditional systems, is focused on understanding root causes. It asks why, and it honors the patient by incorporating their insights and lived experience as part of their health journey.” — Dr. Frances Meredith07:22 – “First of all, I'm not Dr. Meredith. I'm Frances. We're on a first-name basis because I'm not the expert in your body. You are. We bring different expertise to the same table.” — Dr. Frances Meredith07:44 – “So I also tell them right at the beginning, ‘I know that you may have felt unheard in the past. Your intuition matters here, and it often helps guide where we go together.’” — Dr. Frances Meredith14:44 – “When we think about concussions, it can be helpful to look beyond the brain alone. The nervous system communicates with the entire body, and understanding those connections allows us to think more holistically about recovery.” — Dr. Frances MeredithLINKS Dr. Frances Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-meredith-a47bb830/ Stribling Springs Wellness: striblingspringswellness.com Institute for Functional Medicine: https://www.ifm.org MyConcussionDR: https://myconcussiondr.com NATA Convention: https://www.nata.org/career-education/education/events/conventionRELATED EPISODES The Truth About Weight Loss, GLP-1 Meds & the Culture of Over-Eating – With Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02k6hLdwMogSPONSORS: Met One Technologies – http://www.met1tech.com Get Raw – https://www.getrawshots.com#SportsMedicine #ConcussionCare #FunctionalMedicine #BrainHealth #BiopsychosocialMedicine

What does it take to lead a department responsible for 12 different clinical programs and numerous future healthcare providers? In an increasingly complex academic and clinical domain, today’s guest believes that the answer often boils down to two fundamental human elements: trust and respect.In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth are joined by Dr. Chris Ingersoll, Senior Associate Dean in the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences, live from the 2025 NATA Convention in Orlando.Ingersoll shares insights from decades in academic medicine, including how large institutions support high-quality research, the challenges facing modern academic publishing, and how UNC is preparing future clinicians for the era of AI and rapid innovation. The conversation also explores the importance of interprofessional education, why mentorship should be a lifelong pursuit, and how leadership rooted in trust and respect creates stronger cultures and better outcomes.MEET THE GUEST Dr. Chris Ingersoll - PhD, LAT, ATC, FACSM, FNATA, FASAHP, FNAP- Senior Associate Dean & Chair, Department of Health Sciences - UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine - Professor, Health Sciences, Orthopaedics, and Exercise and Sport Sciences- NATA Hall of Fame InducteeTOPICS DISCUSSED- UNC Health Sciences leadership and department structure- Literature dilution and predatory journals- Importance of trust & respect- Preparing future clinicians for AI and innovation - Lifelong mentorship in academic and clinical successHIGHLIGHTS01:06 — The Department of Health Sciences Overview04:31 — Sponsors: Met One Technologies & Get Raw05:33 — Type of Students at UNC06:31 — Federal, NIH, and Private Funding08:12 — Current Research Focus08:47 — Quality of Modern Medical Literature10:35 — The Danger of Predatory Journals12:07 — UNC's Strategic Pillars13:12 — Current Areas of Focus for Research15:06 — Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare16:43 — Building a Children's Hospital with Duke University18:53 — The Challenges and Rewards of Leading at UNC19:55 — Ingersoll's Goals and the Importance of Trust & Respect24:59 — Preparing Future Clinicians for AI and Innovation29:57 — The Role of Mentorship in Academic and Clinical Success31:44 — The Lifelong Nature of MentorshipQUOTES:22:39 - But when you start with trust, and you tell people that you trust them, they feel empowered by that. Then they work to keep your trust. And I think you start with and maintain a much better culture within your organization when they believe that they're being trusted and they're willing to give trust.” - Chris Ingersoll23:59 - “I think trust and respect are the only two essential elements that we need to be successful. I mean, do you have to like me to be motivated to work and do some things? No. But you need to trust me, and you need to respect me. And if we have those two things, we can do whatever we need to do.” - Chris Ingersoll25:46 - “It's like, how are we going to use AI to provide better care? And these ideas, like precision medicine, I mean, imagine the information that has to go into that? We're going to have to rely on AI to give us some choices in terms of what we might choose to do. But I believe, old-fashioned or not, that in the end, the human has to make the decision.” - Chris Ingersoll30:50 - “And I would argue that the best model is having multiple mentors, not a mentor. - Chris IngersollLINKS Christopher Ingersoll: UNC School of Medicine, Health Sciences: https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/people/christopher-ingersollChristopher Ingersoll: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-d-ingersoll-5074b11a/ UNC School of Medicine, Health Sciences: https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences NATA Convention: https://www.nata.org/career-education/education/events/convention SPONSORS: Met One Technologies - http://www.met1tech.comGet Raw - https://www.getrawshots.com DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#AcademicMedicine #HealthcareLeadership #Mentorship #InterprofessionalCare #MedicalEducation

How do you modernize athletic training education to meet the demands of the role in the current landscape? The past few years have seen a shift from rigid, hour-based clinical models to immersive, real-world learning experiences designed to create better clinicians.In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth sit down with Sam Hughes, Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho, to explore how modern clinical education is evolving and what it takes to prepare athletic trainers for the realities of the job. Hughes shares how immersive clinical rotations, hybrid models, and increased autonomy are reshaping athletic training programs.The conversation dives into accreditation standards, patient-reported outcome measures, documentation challenges, and workforce shortages. Hughes also discusses the University of Idaho’s ISMaRT Clinic, where students take on full patient care responsibilities under supervision, and the upcoming shift toward more interprofessional collaboration with the "School of Health and Medical Professions" (SHAMP).MEET THE GUESTSamantha Hughes DAT, LAT, ATCDirector of Clinical Education in the Athletic Training Program at the University of IdahoClinical Assistant Professor in Movement SciencesTOPICS DISCUSSEDEvolution of athletic training clinical education to immersive, hybrid modelsUniversity of Idaho's iSMART clinic and student rotationsCAATE accreditation standards and patient-reported outcomes (PROs)Current challenges in clinical educationInterprofessional collaboration and the future of athletic training educationHIGHLIGHTS00:54 – The Evolution of Clinical Education02:37 – University of Idaho's Hybrid Approach03:48 – The Diversity of Athletic Training (Gen Med)06:02 – Sponsors: Met One Technologies & Get Raw07:04 – CAATE Accreditation Explained09:09 – What "Movement Sciences" Are11:21 – Ethics and Administration in Athletic Training12:39 – Scientific Writing for Publication and Patient Care13:33 – Changes in Student Expectations16:56 – The Importance of Patient-Reported Outcomes18:42 – Synthesizing, Analyzing, and Publishing Data20:08 – The ISMaRT Clinic21:31 – Comparing past vs. Present Clinical Standards23:33 – Feasibility of Overseas Rotations24:59 – Crossover with Orthopedic Surgeons in Training25:47 – Current Challenges in Clinical Education27:33 – Educating Students on Variable Workloads31:02 – The Shortage of Athletic Trainers33:20 – Alternative Education Paths35:59 – Advice for Athletic Trainers Interested in Educator Roles37:08 – Measuring Success for Students and Preceptors39:25 – E*Value Platform and Check-Ins for Tracking41:07 – Future of University of Idaho's Programs42:44 – Hughes' One Change for AT Education44:10 – Sam Hughes' Mission as an EducatorQUOTES:16:42 - “I think students are coming in, thinking things are busy work, and not understanding the ‘why’ behind something. And that's something that I personally, as an educator, have been trying to do, is give them that ‘why’.” - Sam Hughes28:58 - “I'm hopeful that before someone applies to an athletic training program, they look into the profession, they look into the mean salary, and they understand, ‘Okay, maybe this isn't the highest paying job,’ and then they come in with a passion of helping people.” - Sam Hughes41:56 - “Yeah, interprofessional collaboration, I think, is going to be really big and something we want to see across all healthcare professions. Because athletic training, our scope, is so broad, and we do so much, and sometimes I think we don't like to lean on other healthcare professions, but we want to make sure we create a well-rounded sports medicine team. And getting students that exposure early on in the classroom is going to only set them up for success later on.” - Sam HughesLINKS Samantha Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hughes-2204212b4 University of Idaho: https://verso.uidaho.edu/esploro/profile/samantha_hughes/overview School of Health and Medical Professions: https://www.uidaho.edu/health-medical-professions RELATED EPISODES:How Isokinetic Tech is Changing Rehab and Performance (Rob Potash) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEURDPIwEmk&t=1s SPONSORS: Met One Technologies - http://www.met1tech.comGet Raw - https://www.getrawshots.com DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#AthleticTraining #ClinicalEducation #HealthcareEducation #CAATE #SportsMedicine

In an era where healthcare is rapidly evolving, the path from being a new graduate to a seasoned expert requires a commitment to lifelong learning and a strategic approach to professional growth.In this episode, host Andrew Rizza sits down with Tom Denninger, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, the Vice President of Clinical Development at ATI Physical Therapy, and Executive Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement (iMSKA). Denninger has spent much of his career focused on how to support clinicians to achieve clinical excellence in every stage of their careers. Together, they explore the evolution of continuing education, residency training, and mentorship in sports medicine, far beyond just CEUs. The conversation covers ATI’s MSK Certification and the launch of iMSKA, an innovative program that is bridging the gap between education, research, and patient care. Denninger discusses how mentorship should function in practice, introducing the concept of a "professional cabinet” and explaining the difference between formal and informal mentorship. He also offers valuable advice for new graduates, experienced clinicians, and leaders looking to achieve and maintain excellence for the long term in healthcare.MEET THE GUESTDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Vice President of Clinical Development at ATI Physical TherapyBoard-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)Executive Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement (iMSKA)TOPICS DISCUSSEDThe evolution of post-professional education The MSK Certification & the Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement (iMSKA)Opportunities for CEU creditsFormal and informal mentorship Advice for new graduatesHIGHLIGHTS01:08 — Denninger's Career Journey03:16 — Post-Professional Education07:10 — MSK Certification Explained09:49 — Use Cases for the Program12:36 — The Importance of Revisiting the Basics14:32 — The Evolution of iMSKA16:33 — iMSKA Programs & Research Fellowships19:22 — Vision for Clinical Development at ATI23:15 — How To Get CEU Credits26:16 — Building Professional Competencies29:41 — The Evolution of Mentorship34:36 — Informal Mentorship39:56 — Clinician Feedback44:13 — Advice for New Graduates51:26 — Denninger Outside the ClinicQUOTES:32:52 - “‘Mentorship' is such a vogue word out there. When we think about how people learn, it comes down to this kind of universal principle of 70-20-10 — 70% of what you learn is going to be by doing, 20% is going to come from projects and collaboration, and 10 is going to come from didactic information, things along those lines. Mentorship falls in that 20% where it should enhance the 70 and the 10.” - Tom Denninger36:18 - “And it can be sometimes a little bit weird where you're like, ‘Will you be my mentor?’ That's not always how that works. I do think a program is good, and someone being assigned that skill, that doing it is important. But I always encourage people to think a little bit more of like ‘the cabinet’; what's your professional cabinet? How do you collect people that you can bounce ideas off of?” - Tom Denninger38:35 - “And the two-way street of mentorship is important, right? By being your mentor, it's helping me reflect on my practice and helping me identify gaps in my knowledge. So it should always be mutually beneficial.” - Tom Denninger50:27 - “When you choose an employer, what you're really selecting is an opportunity. At the end of the day, it's what are you going to do with that opportunity?” - Tom DenningerLINKSTom Denninger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-denninger-dpt-ocs-faaompt-69774ba6/ ATI Physical Therapy - https://www.atipt.com  ATI Development Programs - https://careers.atipt.com/development-programs iMSKA - https://i-mska.org DISCLAIMER The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#PhysicalTherapy #HealthcareEducation #SportsMedicine #MusculoskeletalAdvancement #CEUcredits

From experiencing homelessness and living in a tent as a child to becoming a three-time NFL captain and a Harvard-educated venture capitalist, Isaiah Kacyvenski’s journey is a masterclass in the power of resilience and a relentless work ethic.In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth sit down with Kacyvenski for a conversation that explores the human side of elite performance. Kacyvenski opens up about the raw reality of his upbringing in upstate New York, the “epiphany" he had at age 14 that led to his commitment to let no one outwork him, and the grueling challenge of balancing a pre-med curriculum with football at Harvard. He talks about his impressive NFL career, how he navigated his career-ending injuries, and the difficult decision to retire. Kacyvenski also explains his involvement with the NFL Players Association’s Health and Safety (Mackey-White) Committee, and his decision to donate his brain to research through the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Throughout the conversation, he shares wisdom on leadership and why enjoying the journey matters just as much as “the grind”. MEET THE GUEST- Pre-medicine bachelor’s degree from Harvard University & MBA from Harvard Business School- Eight-year NFL veteran & three-time Special Teams Captain for the Seattle Seahawks- Founder and Managing Partner at Will Ventures- NFLPA Health & Safety (Mackey-White) Committee Member- Concussion Legacy Foundation Brain DonorTOPICS DISCUSSED - Overcoming poverty and building resilience - The “Let No One Outwork You” philosophy- Leadership in the NFL and beyond- Navigating career-ending injuries- Athlete health, safety, and concussion researchHIGHLIGHTS00:54 - Childhood Poverty & Mom's Influence04:37 - Kacyvenski's Epiphany at Age 1408:07 - Passing the "Grind" Mentality Down to His Children10:16 - Sponsor Met One Technologies11:17 - Early Role Models: Dan Gable and Walter Payton13:49 - Dr. James Andrews & NFL Retirement18:11 - Relationship With Domonique Foxworth19:03 - NFLPA Health & Safety Committee20:51 - Concussion Legacy Foundation & Brain Donation24:58 - Advice to Football-Playing Son26:25 - Advice to Younger Self28:18 - NFL Mentors30:19 - The Impact of Coach Murphy34:00 - Seattle Seahawks: Special Teams Captaincy36:36 - The Oprah Winfrey Show ExperienceQUOTES:01:21 - ““I was the youngest of five kids, but grew up in poverty. We were homeless for two big parts of our childhood, living in a tent. And some of my earliest memories when I was little was, ‘My family's not going to live like this. I don't want to live like this. My family's not going to live like this.’ And that was something that drove me in a lot of different ways.” - Isaiah Kacyvenski05:06 - “And all of a sudden it hit me like a lightning bolt. I had this complete epiphany of like, 'Oh my gosh, you did not work hard enough. You didn't work hard enough to look back with no regrets.’ That was all on myself. And that moment really changed everything for me. And I woke up the next morning, made a sign that said, ‘Let no one outwork you today,’ and put it over my bed. And I still have it.” - Isaiah Kacyvenski09:51 - “And having met so many different people across so many different walks of life, you’ve just got to figure out — whether you're rich, you're poor, it doesn't matter — how hard are you willing to work and how passionate can you be about what you want to do?” - Isaiah Kacyvenski22:57 - “Thinking about it, I was like, ‘I don't want to donate my brain.’ I was like, ‘Well, why wouldn't I? I'm an organ donor, and this game has been such an important part of me, I want it to survive and thrive. I want to be able to donate my brain to science.’” - Isaiah KacyvenskiLINKS Isaiah Kacyvenski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiahkacyvenski Will Ventures: https://www.willventures.com NFLPA Mackey - White Health and Safety Committee: https://nflpa.com/active-players/nflpa-mackey-white-health-and-safety-committee Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://dev.concussionfoundation.org Sponsor:Met One Technologies: http://www.met1tech.comRELATED EPISODES“The Surgeon Who Saved Sports - Meet Dr. Andrews”: https://youtu.be/tkvI56ZiabA “Former NFL Cornerback Played the Game, Now He’s Changing It” (Domonique Foxworth): https://youtu.be/odPHjAMB8Ec DISCLAIMERThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#IsaiahKacyvenski #NFLHealth #SportsMedicine #ConcussionAwareness #VentureCapital

Despite the expanding role and value of athletic trainers in healthcare, outdated laws, slow-moving legislative processes, and inconsistent regulation are limiting their scope of practice.Jamie Musler, LPD, ATC, is a governor-appointed member and chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health and an executive board member for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). He has spent decades shaping policy, investigating ethical violations, and advocating for the future of athletic training.In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 NATA Convention, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth team up with Musler to explore how legislation is written, why meaningful change moves so slowly, and how outdated language continues to restrict where and how athletic trainers can practice. Musler explains how to advocate for better laws and speed up the processes, before shedding light on alternative advocacy paths available to athletic trainers.MEET THE GUEST- Certified Athletic Trainer- Law and Public Policy qualification- Member and chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health- Executive board member for the National Athletic Trainers AssociationTOPICS DISCUSSED- Legislative Process and Lobbying- The Role of Athletic Trainers- Advocacy and Strategy- Professional EthicsHIGHLIGHTS00:51 – What Is Legislative Law?01:34 – Lobbying: Health Professionals vs. Government05:06 – Speeding Up Legislation06:37 – Can NATA Reboot Regulation?08:03 – The Expanding Role of Athletic Trainers09:11 – How Outdated Definitions Limit Athletic Trainers14:04 – The Supervising Physician Relationship16:38 – Licensure vs. Certification Explained18:09 – How Massachusetts Regulates Licenses21:15 – Common Ethical Challenges Seen by NATA24:03 – NATA and the Board of Allied Health26:38 – How To Advocate for Better Laws30:23 – Is the “Athletic Trainer” Title the Problem?32:31 – Engaging the Next Generation of Athletic Trainers35:15 – Musler’s Neck Injury StoryQUOTES:12:52 - “One of the great strengths of athletic trainers is we see our patients far before they get to the traditional healthcare system. We're the original primary care provider.” - Jamie Musler26:07 - “And so much of [ethics] is grounded in societal behaviors and beliefs and upbringing and your morals and values. And, to some extent, it is a moving target, and different people could have different ethical values. The challenge is, can a profession set clear boundaries that establish the ethics of that discipline?” - Jamie Musler28:54 - “My mindset has changed considerably. What we've been trying to do in athletic training is attack the problem from the most difficult perspective: changing a law. I'm starting to believe that there are other routes.” - Jamie Musler29:38 - “It might be easier to move the needle by dealing with the administrative side as opposed to the legislative one.” - Jamie MuslerLINKSJamie Musler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-musler-47b493aNATA: https://www.nata.orgMassachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health and Human Services Professions: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professionsSponsorsMet One Technologies: http://www.met1tech.com/Get Raw Wellness Shots: https://www.getrawshots.com/DISCLAIMERThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#HealthcareLegislation #athletictrainer #healthprofessionals #MedicalEthics #NATA

Over an 11-year NFL career, Rob Ninkovich went from an undrafted free agent to a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. Central to that journey was his relationship with his medical team, including the renowned Head Team Physician, Dr. Thomas Gill. In this episode, they join hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth for an inside look at the physical and mental demands of a professional football career, as well as the evolving culture of athlete care.Dr. Gill offers the surgeon's perspective on balancing an athlete's career demands with long-term health, while Rob shares his personal journey of overcoming a major knee injury, the mental toll of career-threatening injuries like this one, and the importance of athlete-doctor trust. They discuss the influence of agents on recovery, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) on college athletes, and what it takes to build championship-winning teams. Rob also explains his personal "availability over ability" philosophy and how he decided when and how to retire on his own terms.This conversation is a deep dive into what it takes mentally, physically, and financially to achieve and sustain greatness in the NFL and well into retirement. MEET THE GUESTSRob NinkovichFormer New England Patriots linebacker Two-time Super Bowl champion11-Year NFL Career Experience Overcame a major rookie-year knee injuryDr. Thomas Gill, MD Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine SpecialistFormer Head Team Physician for the New England PatriotsTOPICS DISCUSSED Injuries and rehab in the NFL Deciding to retire and post-retirement supportNIL and college footballThe Qualities of winning teams and coachesHIGHLIGHTS01:03 – Ninkovich and Dr. Gill’s Relationship03:22 – Distrust Between Athletes and Team Doctors09:55 – Ninkovich’s Early Career Injury14:24 – How Injury and Rehab Decisions Have Changed20:47 – The Rise of Personal Injury Gurus and Fads24:31 – Mental Side of Deciding To Retire From Football30:18 – Lack of Post-Retirement Support33:04 – NIL and College Football41:25 – Coachability vs. Star Ratings47:40 – Ninkovich’s Journey52:36 – Availability vs. Ability in Pro Sports57:21 – Ninkovich on the Current New England Patriots1:02:00 – The Conversation at Halftime at the Atlanta Game1:04:58 – Ninkovich’s Favorite Super Bowl Victory1:07:00 – Best Defensive Player Ninkovich Has Played WithQUOTES:03:09 - “I see you as you're a human being first and you're an athlete second, and so I've got your best interests at heart.” - Dr. Thomas Gill04:10 - “I always had this common sense approach to an injury, and I was always knowing, in the back of my head, if an injury was to affect my time on the field, then that affects my opportunity. So as a player, you're always trying to stay as healthy as possible, do your very best, and also have the best medical and listen to what they're trying to tell you.” - Rob Ninkovich53:05 - “It's not the coach's fault if I can't play or if I'm not available. And availability is way more reliable than ability. So, if you're really good, but you're not available, what am I going to do about that? I'm going to have to go with the guy that's available.” - Rob Ninkovich58:57 - “Now, to me, what that means is you don't have to be a vocal leader at any point, you have to perform. So performance is the best indicator of leadership. If you can't perform, I can't follow you. But if you're really performing week in and week out, you don't have to say a word, you really don't have to say anything, you're a leader.” - Rob NinkovichLINKSRob Ninkovich @nink50: https://www.instagram.com/nink50/ New England Patriots: https://www.patriots.com Dr. Thomas Gill, MD: https://nebh.org/find-a-doctor/thomas-gill-md Former NFL Cornerback Played the Game, Now He’s Changing It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odPHjAMB8Ec&t=131s Sponsored by Met One Orthopedics – The only U.S.-based Latin-owned orthopedic manufacturer, specializing in upper and lower extremity solutions. Now featuring the newly launched Fortis distal radius plating system.met1tech.com for more information.DISCLAIMERThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#RobNinkovich #Patriots #ACLRecovery #SportsMedicine #NFLInjuries

Over the past few years, the medical treatment of weight loss with various GLP-1 medications has dominated headlines, and conflicting stories on social media have created confusion and controversy. Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb, bridges the worlds of obesity care and life coaching to help patients conquer weight challenges through science, behavior change, and sustainable habits. In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth sit down with Dr. Garcia-Webb to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern healthcare. From GLP-1 medications (and why they actually work) to the biology of hunger, and the cultural traps that keep us overeating, this conversation dives into the science, the stigma, and the reality of trying to stay healthy in a world engineered for convenience.  Dr. Garcia-Webb blends medical precision with honesty as she debunks myths and offers practical, sustainable lifestyle advice. Whether you’re curious about GLP-1 medications, struggling with weight yourself, or just want to understand the science behind our modern health crisis, this episode delivers clarity without judgment.MEET THE GUESTAn internal medicine and a weight medicine concierge physician.Has a B.S. from Tufts University and an M.D. from the University of Vermont Medical School. Completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Massachusetts. Has been on staff at Mass General Brigham – Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare.TOPICS DISCUSSED - Obesity: Medicine vs. Lifestyle Changes - GLP-1 Medications and How They Work- Practical Nutrition TipsHIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction01:41 Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb’s Background03:16 Studying Obesity Medicine04:55 Obesity Statistics and Demographics07:26 Meds vs. Lifestyle Changes09:11 Causes of Obesity11:30 Misconceptions13:28 What Is Good Nutrition14:17 Fighting Market Forces18:20 Lifestyle Coaching20:07 FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications22:58 How GLP-1 Meds Work24:26 Effectiveness of GLP-1s27:02 Lifelong Medication Reality28:51 Why Lifestyle Still Matters32:00 Safety, Efficacy & Side Effects36:40 GLP-1s in Addiction Medicine40:30 Willpower vs. Medication44:12 The Dangers of Social Media45:18 Dr. Garcia-Webb’s Top Three Takeaways49:39 Eating ’Til You’re 80% Full53:09 Contacts & ResourcesQUOTES:09:03 - “I don't really have a problem starting a medication when I first see somebody, — if I feel like it's the right thing for that person.”11:50 - “I think the big misunderstanding is that there's one magic thing or one supplement that people can take or one workout that they can do.”19:19 - “A lot of people think they have to give up something or it's going to be harder, but what I really want to tell people is this can be better, much better.”47:46 - “One of my top three takeaways, one of them would be just eat and don't do anything else while you're eating. Don't be on your phone.”LINKS Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb: www.weightmedicinemd.com "Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan”: https://www.youtube.com/c/WellnesswithDrMeghan DISCLAIMERThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#WeightLossMedicine #GLP1Drugs #ObesityTreatment #Ozempic #WeightLossJourney

Isokinetic technology has become one of the most reliable ways to measure joint performance, guide rehabilitation, and elevate strength training. In this episode, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth sit down with Rob Potash, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CSMi Solutions, to explore how modern isokinetic systems are transforming sports medicine. Rob explains the origins of isokinetic testing through the rise and fall of the classic Cybex machines and how CSMi stepped in to solve long-standing problems with accuracy, durability, and data integrity.Rob introduces the HUMAC Isokinetic Machine and the HUMAC BIKE, detailing how each device improves muscle testing, injury tracking, and return to play decisions. He breaks down what meaningful data should look like for clinicians and coaches, why objective measurement matters more than ever, and how Sportsware continues to evolve as a central tool for managing athlete health. The conversation looks ahead to new innovations including a rower built for isokinetic training and the next generation of HUMAC machines designed to simplify assessments without losing precision. Rob also shares his perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence and how AI will shape testing, rehabilitation, and personalized performance planning in the years to come.Meet The Guest: VP Sales & Marketing at CSMi SolutionsTopics Discussed: History of CybexSportswareThe Future of Sports MedicineHighlights: 0:00 Introduction3:15 Cybex3:50 Cybex issues8:37 Cybex disappearing19:35 Data23:53 Future of Sportsware29:06 Rower35:27 Future machines37:20 Integrating AIThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.Do you want to Get Well, Get Healthy, Look Your Best, Feel your Best? Then you need GeT Raw! A special blend, including ginger and turmeric to assist with Inflammation, Digestion, Immunity Cognition.Met One Technologies: Enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes through innovative medical device solutions, driven by a commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

Every summer in Falmouth, Massachusetts, thousands of runners push their bodies to the edge in one of the most iconic road races in America. Behind the scenes, a world-class medical team stands ready to respond to everything from dehydration to life-threatening heat stroke. At the center of it all is Dr. John Jardine - Emergency Medicine Physician, Medical Director of the Falmouth Road Race, and Chief Medical Officer at the Korey Stringer Institute.In this episode, Dr. Cameron Roth and Andrew Rizza sit down with Dr. Jardine live from NATA 2025 to explore how decades of emergency medicine, research, and innovation have shaped the gold standard for athlete safety. From his early days as a New York EMT and Paramedic to leading medical operations at Falmouth for over twenty years, Dr. Jardine shares how real-world experience meets cutting-edge science in the treatment of exertional heat illness.He breaks down how his team developed and implemented cold-water immersion protocols that have saved countless lives, the evolution of on-site medical coverage for endurance events, and how collaborations with the Korey Stringer Institute are revolutionizing the care of athletes, laborers, and even warfighters worldwide.Dr. Jardine also offers insights into real-time analytics, field triage, and communication strategies that make large-scale events like Falmouth safer each year. His leadership and research continue to drive new standards in emergency response, proving that preparedness, precision, and passion can truly save lives.Meet The GuestDr. John Jardine - Emergency Medical Physician, Medical Director Falmouth Road Race, Chief Medical Officer Corey Stringer Institute Topics Discussed Falmouth RaceCold Water Emersion Revolutionizing Athlete TreatmentsHighlights:0:00 Intro0:30 Welcome to NATA 20250:33 Planning Medical Coverage2:48 Coverage Evolution4:55 Korey Stringer Institute6:40 Emergency response8:20 Implementing the standard9:55 Heat Illness Signs11:05 Starting Rapid Cooling15:10 Ambulance Communication16:30 Event Preparation17:45 Treating a visibly distressed athlete19:10 Chronic Conditions20:10 Expectation tips21:15 Integrating analytics22:35 Falmouth experience24:20 Success26:10 Future of Korey Stringer InstituteQuotes:3:04 “The world is heating up.”5:00 “The best and quickest way to cool somebody is cold water immersion.”10:21 “There really is no reason they shouldn’t be doing it.”12:11 “The organ system that’s first affected by heat is the central nervous system.”16:01 “Cold water immersion doesn’t necessarily have to be in a tub.”18:10 “Hypohydration or dehydration is certainly a precursor for heat stroke.”22:28 “We want a cooling rate that’s going to cool them as quickly as possible.”30:03 “We send 90% of our people home from the tent.”The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.Do you want to Get Well, Get Healthy, Look Your Best, Feel your Best? Then you need GeT Raw! A special blend, including ginger and turmeric to assist with Inflammation, Digestion, Immunity Cognition.Met One Technologies: Enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes through innovative medical device solutions, driven by a commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

In sports medicine, few professionals bridge the gap between rehabilitation and surgical precision like Dr. Catherine Logan. A former physical therapist and personal trainer turned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Logan brings a rare, 360-degree view to injury, prevention, and recovery. Now at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, she specializes in complex knee and shoulder reconstruction for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit.In this episode, Dr. Cameron Roth and Andrew Rizza dive deep with Dr. Logan into what makes an athlete “unbroken.” She shares her journey from working the clinic floor at Johns Hopkins to leading advanced surgical care for high-performance athletes. Dr. Logan breaks down the latest in ACL reconstruction protocols, explains how her team approaches meniscus and MCL tears, and discusses where biologics fit into the future of healing.They explore the differences between adolescent and professional recoveries, the science behind preventing ski-related knee injuries, and the realities of pushing back too soon after surgery. Dr. Logan’s insight reminds us that recovery is both science and art - a process that demands patience, discipline, and trust between athlete and care team.From the operating room to the slopes, this conversation is a masterclass in performance longevity and resilience, the foundation of what it truly means to be The Unbroken Athlete.Meet the Guest:Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopedics (COSMO) in Denver, COSpecializes in complex knee and shoulder surgeryWorked with Riz in BostonTopics Discussed:Handling the different type of knee tearsPreventing ski injuriesCreating the Unbroken AthleteHighlights:0:00 Introduction2:13 Background9:14 Reconstruction protocols13:10 Meniscus tears15:35 MCL tears18:04 Biologics19:50 Reconstruction recovery for high schoolers26:16 Preventing ski injuries28:38 Knee Injuries30:45 Free time32:54 Fun Fact35:53 The Unbroken AthleteQuotes:“What you care most about is the retear rate.”"It’s really important that people go to a PT that’s convenient for them.”“I’m always hoping to fix and preserve, but we can’t always do that.”“They’re doing everything they can do to avoid surgery.”“I’m a big fan of giving all the options and weighing the pros and the cons because I don’t think there’s one solution for everybody.”“I like helping people. That’s what we do.”“If I see 100 ACLs a winter, 98 of them are skiers.”“Can we change these grit scores and will that change the physical outcome?”The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.

Domonique Foxworth has lived the full spectrum of the athlete’s journey - from reaching the NFL as a cornerback for the Broncos, Falcons, and Ravens, to leading the NFL Players Association, to becoming one of the most influential voices in sports media today. After earning his MBA at Harvard Business School, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting and writing, now hosting The Domonique Foxworth Show and appearing regularly across ESPN platforms.In this conversation with hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth, Domonique opens up about his path to the NFL, the grind of recovery and training, and the relationships that shape player performance and safety. He shares candid insights into the realities of youth sports injuries, organizational differences between leagues, and what makes a truly great team. Domonique also reflects on his time advocating for players in collective bargaining, the complexities of retirement, and the lessons he’s carried into his media career.From facing Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, to defining what it means to be a good organization, to breaking down today’s refereeing and rising talents like Drake Maye, Domonique brings his sharp perspective, humor, and honesty. This episode is as much about the human side of the game as it is about the highlights on the field.Meet The GuestHost of the Domonique Foxworth ShowFormer NFL Cornerback for the Broncos, Falcons, RavensPlayed College Football at the University of MarylandTopics DiscussedReaching the NFLBeing a Host of an ESPN ShowGreatest Opponents on the fieldHighlights0:00 Introduction1:59 NFL Goal9:03 Recovery10:05 Training relationships11:30 Player Safety13:15 Injury Policy15:37 Youth Sports Injuries18:51 Training staff relationships20:30 Day to day uncertainty21:28 Retirement22:32 CBA24:15 Building the NFL26:53 Jerry Richardson28:10 Defining a Good Organization29:43 Organizational Differences between the NFL and NBA31:15 Athlete relationships from media32:28 Retirement Process35:07 The Show37:11 Peyton Manning & Tom Brady42:44 Greatest Opponents44:57 Drake Maye46:15 NFL Refereeing48:30 Charlie Kravitz

Sports media has transformed dramatically in the last decade—and Charlie Kravitz has had a front row seat to it all. Hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth sit down with their close friend to explore Charlie’s journey from producing ESPN’s Highly Questionable with Dan Le Batard to becoming an executive producer and co-host of The Domonique Foxworth Show.Charlie opens up about his path through the industry, from his early days behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight alongside former NFL player Domonique Foxworth. He shares the lessons learned along the way, the importance of storytelling in sports, and how humor, analysis, and cultural commentary can shape the fan experience.Together, they pull back the curtain on how sports coverage has evolved—from the rise of analytics and the explosion of sports gambling to what truly separates elite athletes from the rest. Charlie’s perspective offers a rare inside look at how sports media continues to change, and what it takes to stay ahead in such a dynamic space.Meet The GuestProducer, ESPN's (debatable) at Rydholm Projects Inc.TopicsBehind the Scenes of Sports MediaAnalytics roleThe effect of Gambling in the IndustryHighlights0:00 Introduction2:36 Background7:19 Traits for Success10:25 Sports Media Transformation13:57 Analysis and Analytics15:50 Sports from Sports Media Perspective19:38 Evolution22:30 Staying ahead of the game25:45 Sports SIgnificance28:10 Football29:13 MMA32:06 Injury34:13 Insiders36:32 Speculation Pressure37:38 Clickbait39:28 Gambling in Sports Media41:26 Gambling in the Locker Room44:16 Refereering45:50 Favorite Athlete48:17 Overrated Athlete50:30 Lebron Jordan Debate52:14 NILThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.

A.J. Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT has spent more than four decades shaping the future of athletic training. From the sidelines of the University of Michigan and Temple University to 34 years as Head Athletic Trainer at Widener University, he has mentored generations of student-athletes and young professionals. Today, he serves as the 16th President of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), where he leads the profession into a new era of growth, advocacy, and impact.In this conversation with hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth, A.J. shares what it means to be a leader, how NATA is addressing the evolving needs of athletes and clinicians, and why preparing the next generation of athletic trainers is his most important mission. He also reflects on his career in both clinical care and organizational leadership, his passion for service, and his commitment to building a stronger, more resilient profession for years to come.Meet the GuestPresident of National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)Head Athletic Trainer at Widener UniversityFormer Assistant Athletic Trainer at University of Michigan & Temple UniversityTopics DiscussedBeing a LeaderThe future of NATAPreparing the next generation of athletic trainersHighlights: 0:00 Introduction0:40 Welcome to NATA 20250:56 Leadership Philosophy3:25 Athletic Training in 20508:17 NATA Today11:00 Athletic Training12:22 Catastrophic events18:46 Next generation21:23 Challenges with MovementDo you want to Get Well, Get Healthy, Look Your Best, Feel your Best? Then you need GeT Raw! A special blend, including ginger and turmeric to assist with Inflammation, Digestion, Immunity Cognition.Met One Technologies: Enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes through innovative medical device solutions, driven by a commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.