Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, injured worker or an active non-athlete, the goal of the HahnemannSports Medicine Center is the same-to get you back to your previous level of activity in the safest and shortest time possible. The Sports Medicine Center made its debut in February, offering a comprehensive program of diagnostics, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses related to physical activity. Treatment is individualized to each patient’s specific needs, which often requires using an interdisciplinary approach to care.
Team Players
The director of the Sports Medicine Center credits the support of several entities as key to the Center’s high level of care. "Our program is truly a team approach backed by Hahnemann University Hospital, the University and the Department of Orthopedics," says Paul Marchetto, MD "As an entire package, the Center’s strength exceeds that of the area’s other sports medicine programs-whether they are stand-alone physician groups or hospital-based programs."
Within the hospital, examples of cross-departmental teamwork abound. For instance, advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions enable the Center physicians and Hahnemann cardiologists to work together to allow an increasing number of cardiac patients the opportunity to take part in fitness and athletic activities.
As more women become active in sports, the OB/GYN Department and Women’s Care Center have helped the Sports Medicine staff address the specific needs of the female athlete.The Sports Medicine program is also enhanced by its affiliations with other local Tenet institutions. Consider the special needs of our children. By tapping into the resources of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, the Sports Medicine Center was able to develop a comprehensive plan for treating adolescent athletes. Dr. Marchetto points to the strength of a "shared vision" as he partners with Peter Pizzutillo, MD, Chief of St. Christopher’s Orthopedic Center for Children, to offer such specialized care as the treatment of scoliosis and bone fractures in young growing patients.
Back to School
As students returned to area high schools and colleges last month, many got right back on the playing fields and courts. Now the Sports Medicine Center is on the sidelines helping to ensure that our young athletes are playing safe and receiving the utmost in care when injuries do occur.
In the short time since its inception earlier this year, the center’s outreach to the student population has expanded impressively. Staff members are now team physicians for the athletic programs at Drexel University and Roman Catholic High School here in Philadelphia, as well as Audobon High School in New Jersey. And as the Center recently embarked on its first full athletics season, it became the official sports medicine resource for the Lenape Regional School District in New Jersey, which includes Lenape, Cherokee and Shawnee High Schools.
Continuing Education and Research
The Hahnemann Sports Medicine program is an active provider of continuing medical education for health care providers. Through its affiliation with the Orthopaedic Surgery Department of MCP Hahnemann University, the staff participates in the residency and fellowship training of physicians. Additionally, the program offers sports medicine education for athletic trainers and physical therapists.
The Sports Medicine Center is an indisputable leader in advancing sports safety and helping to prevent injuries. Related articles in this week’s issue feature two of the Center’s efforts in this area: its PASS program teachings and its involvement in the Adam Taliaferro Foundation.
For information or an appointment, call 215-762-2663.