Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine Brings a Unique Perspective to Panther Athletes

The partnership that exists between Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine and Ohio Dominican represents a unique approach to the well-being of every student-athlete. What began as a typical sports medicine program in 2012 has evolved into a more comprehensive relationship that enables the Sports Medicine team to address a wide range of medical issues beyond injury prevention and rehabilitation.

At ODU, it’s known as 360-degree care.

Let’s begin with a closer look at the members of the multidisciplinary Nationwide Children’s team. In addition to Sports Medicine physicians, the team also includes orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers and a registered sports dietitian.

It’s an innovative approach that builds confidence among coaches and athletes alike. When athletes know their health is always the top priority, they are free to concentrate on their individual performance and team goals. The Nationwide Children’s team views itself as an integral part of the success of every ODU team. They’re invested in the Panthers. In fact, they not only work to keep athletes healthy throughout college, they also strive to give them the tools they need to stay healthy once their athletic careers have ended.

Part of the team’s commitment to Ohio Dominican is reflected in their on-campus presence. The Sports Medicine team provides care for all athletes across 16 sports. That means athletic trainers are present for every practice and every home game – they travel to away games for football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball. In addition, Sports Medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons are present at basketball and football games, where the risk of serious injury is greatest.

Athletic training room hours are available daily. This is one of the most important components of the program. In these sessions, athletic trainers and physical therapists work one-on-one with individual athletes to rehab injuries and, equally important, teach proven strategies designed to help prevent future injuries.

Nationwide Children’s also conducts two on-site physician clinics each week to see injured athletes who require a higher level of care. During the 2017–2018 academic year, Sports Medicine physicians saw more than 170 student-athletes during clinics.

Richard Rodenberg, M.D. treats an ODU student-athlete.

One of the more unique components of the program is the emphasis on the role of nutrition in sports performance. Nutrition clinics are offered monthly under the direction of a registered sports dietitian. Individual nutrition counseling, as well as team-oriented counseling, are also available. The team at Nationwide Children’s invests time and resources in these efforts because they know the positive impact of good nutrition.

Athletic Director Jeff Blair summarized the innovative connection between ODU and Nationwide Children’s in saying, “We are grateful for the world-class care that our student-athletes receive from Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine. Their team-centered approach is designed to meet the needs of all of our athletes. The staff is very knowledgeable and wellversed in all the latest technology and innovation in the growing field of sports medicine. Our student-athletes are able to take advantage of the many resources available through our partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine.”

The long-term goal for the Sports Medicine team is to continue doing the things that have brought the program to this point – exploring new opportunities to advance care and staying on the leading edge of the sports medicine landscape.