Behind the Sports Medicine

ajrsportsscience
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED DAILY

Interviewing experts in the healthcare, physical therapy, athletic training and sports science profession. Discussing the barriers we face today within the healthcare system to better understand the landscape and educate the consumer.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 62: Shaun Owen - When Metrics Help and When They Hurt: Why Sports Science Data Alone is Not Enough

    When Metrics Help and When They Hurt: Why Sports Science Data Alone is Not Enough How 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 HIGHLIGHTS 02:07 – Shaun Owen's Educational Background & Early Career 04:46 – Birth of Modern Sports Science in Australia 07:24 – Evolution of Sports Science in US Professional Sports 09:58 – The Role of the Sports Scientist in the Red Sox Medical Team 14:33 – Key Metrics: Volume, Acceleration, Heart Rate & High-Speed 16:12 – Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Sleep Performance 19:28 – Getting Buy-In on Nutrition & Sleep Habits 23:27 – Sports Science 3.0: Knowing the Athlete & Data-Informed Decisions 30:36 – AI's Role in Sports Science 36:16 – One Essential Tool: Building a Data Pipeline 37:07 – Sleep, Wellness & RPE Tracking for Teams with Low Resources 44:17 – RPE: High School and Collegiate Versus Pro Athletics 47:05 – Sports Science Career Advice: Studies, Experience & Mentors 50:06 – Shaun's Hobbies: Rugby & Rock Climbing QUOTES 17:52 – “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 Owen 21:47 – “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 Owen 35:09 – “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 Owen LINKS 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 EPISODES Behind 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

    52 min

  2. MAR 4

    Episode 61: Brad Pearson - The Red Sox Way: Inside a Championship Medical Machine

    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 Coordinator TOPICS 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 pros Highlights 00:47 – Breaking into Pro Sports as an Athletic Trainer 01:42 – The Reality of the Minor League Grind 02:34 – Pearson's 20-Year Journey with the Red Sox 04:40 – Challenges of Working in a Championship Organization 06:26 – Managing Different Player Personalities: Grinders vs. Talent 08:14 – Sponsors: Met One Technologies 08:44 – Key Collaborators: Nutrition, Psych, and Strength & Conditioning 10:29 – The Investment in Large Sports Medicine Staffs 11:46 – Consistency Through Winning and Rebuilding Seasons 12:55 – A Day in the Life of a Senior VP of Sports Medicine 14:21 – Navigating Pressure from Senior Executives 15:42 – Managing Player Second Opinions 18:24 – Maintaining the Passion Through a 162-Game Season 19:47 – The Role of Technology and Data in the Training Room 22:42 – Current MLB Research and the UCL "Riddle" 23:29 – Is AI Ready to Predict Injuries? 29:08 – Guiding Principles for a Career in Sports 31:02 – Lightning Round: Training and Nutrition Tips 32:30 – Pearson's Favorite Red Sox Championship Teams 34:52 – Favorite and Least Favorite Ballparks QUOTES (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.” LINKS Brad Pearson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-pearson-463645152/ RELATED EPISODES The 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.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. #SportsMedicine #BostonRedSox #AthleticTraining #SportsScience #HumanPerformance

    36 min

  3. FEB 25

    Episode 60: John Lopez - Why the Athletic Training Profession Is at a Crossroads (and How to Fix It)

    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 University TOPICS 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 exploitation HIGHLIGHTS 01:30 – Lopez's Career Path in Athletic Training 06:34 – The NATA Membership Crisis 10:14 – The Paradigm Shift with Conferences and Meetings 11:52 – Cost Challenges for NATA 12:48 – Non-Traditional Athletic Trainers and NATA 18:49 – Advocating for Fair Pay & the Documentation Deficiency 26:31 – Third-Party Reimbursement 29:53 – Workers' Compensation Law & NIL Complications 33:20 – Are Advanced Certifications Worth It? 39:19 – Youth Sports Neglect and PRN Abuse 45:13 – Allies & Revenue Tracking 49:44 – Advice for Up-and-Coming Athletic Trainers 56:07 – Fun Fact About Lopez: The Accordion 🗣️ Quotes 14:34 – “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.” LINKS John 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

    59 min

  4. FEB 18

    Episode 59: Ross Dexter - Why Are Athletic Trainers Still Underpaid? (And How This One Got a Raise)

    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 Training TOPICS DISCUSSED - The state of athletic training salaries and job market realities - Navigating institutional red tape and job reclassification - Why clinical excellence drives advocacy HIGHLIGHTS 01:02 – The Evolution of Athletic Training 03:11 – Dr. Dexter's Career Journey 04:49 – Calculating the ROI of an Athletic Trainer 08:40 – Moving Beyond the "Water Bottle and Towel" Perception 11:31 – Strength & Conditioning vs. Athletic Training 13:44 – Salary & Value Comparisons 15:52 – Making the Reality of Athletic Training Visible and Exciting 23:54 – Advocating for the Profession by Being Good at What You Do 31:34 – The Evolution of Athletic Trainer Salaries 38:58 – Dr. Dexter's Referral Network 41:12 – Leveraging Competition to Improve Staff Salaries 42:12 – A Model for the Continuity of Care 44:38 – Market Trends: Why Job Openings Are Staying Open 46:42 – Investigating HR Law to Break Pay Barriers 50:19 – Advocating for Fair Pay and Building a Better Profession 58:01 – The Role of NATA and Political Action QUOTES: 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.”” LINKS Dr. Ross Dexter - https://souraiders.com/staff-directory/dr-ross-dexter/226 RELATED 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

    1h 3m

  5. FEB 11

    Episode 58: Lukas Siska - A Pro Triathlete’s Guide to Avoiding Burnout, Injury, and Overtraining

    A Pro Triathlete’s Guide to Avoiding Burnout, Injury, and Overtraining What 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 Swimmer TOPICS DISCUSSED The 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 plans HIGHLIGHTS QUOTES14:32 – “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

    47 min

  6. FEB 5

    Episode 57: Dr. Thomas Gill - Treat the Human, Not the Hype

    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 Institute TOPICS 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 conversations HIGHLIGHTS 01:18 — The Boston Sports Medicine and Research Center Update 02:07 — Augmentation & Biologic Healing 03:45 — Why Biceps Tenodesis Is on the Rise 05:10 — Diagnosing Biceps Pathology 06:04 — Sponsor: Met One Technologies 06:35 — Life as a Team Doc: Patriots (NFL) vs. Red Sox (MLB) 09:35 — High School and Youth Sports 12:15 — Defining Moments in Return to Play 15:16 — Managing Star Athletes in Return to Play 21:08 — Broaching Retirement Conversations 23:25 — 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 Gill 13:09 — “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 Gill 15:06 — “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 Gill 16:29 — “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 Gill LINKS lDr. Thomas Gill, MD: https://bostonsportsmedicine.com/about-us/#gill The Boston Sports Medicine and Research Center - https://bostonsportsmedicine.com RELATED EPISODES Rob 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=QkFHaeGbsn0 SPONSOR: Met One Technologies - http://www.met1tech.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. #SportsMedicine #AthleteHealth #ReturnToPlay #OrthopedicSurgery #InjuryPrevention

    26 min

  7. JAN 28

    Episode 56: Dr. Frances Meredith on the Biopsychosocial Approach to Sports Medicine

    Dr. Frances Meredith on the Biopsychosocial Approach to Sports Medicine Many 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, MD Functional Medicine PhysicianFounder, Stribling Springs WellnessFormerly trained in Primary Care & Infectious DiseasesMedical Director of MyConcussionDR TOPICS 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 management HIGHLIGHTS 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 & Resources QUOTES: 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 Meredith 07:22 – “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 Meredith 07:44 – “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 Meredith 14:44 – “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 Meredith LINKS 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/convention RELATED 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=02k6hLdwMog SPONSORS: Met One Technologies – http://www.met1tech.com Get Raw – https://www.getrawshots.com #SportsMedicine #ConcussionCare #FunctionalMedicine #BrainHealth #BiopsychosocialMedicine

    29 min

  8. JAN 21

    Episode 55: Chris Ingersoll - UNC Chapel Hill’s Dr. Chris Ingersoll on Academic Medicine, Mentorship & Trust

    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 Inductee TOPICS 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 success HIGHLIGHTS 01:06 — The Department of Health Sciences Overview 04:31 — Sponsors: Met One Technologies & Get Raw 05:33 — Type of Students at UNC 06:31 — Federal, NIH, and Private Funding 08:12 — Current Research Focus 08:47 — Quality of Modern Medical Literature 10:35 — The Danger of Predatory Journals 12:07 — UNC's Strategic Pillars 13:12 — Current Areas of Focus for Research 15:06 — Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare 16:43 — Building a Children's Hospital with Duke University 18:53 — The Challenges and Rewards of Leading at UNC 19:55 — Ingersoll's Goals and the Importance of Trust & Respect 24:59 — Preparing Future Clinicians for AI and Innovation 29:57 — The Role of Mentorship in Academic and Clinical Success 31:44 — The Lifelong Nature of Mentorship QUOTES: 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 Ingersoll 23:59 - “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 Ingersoll 25:46 - “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 Ingersoll 30:50 - “And I would argue that the best model is having multiple mentors, not a mentor. - Chris Ingersoll LINKS Christopher Ingersoll: UNC School of Medicine, Health Sciences: https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/people/christopher-ingersoll Christopher 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.com Get 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

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Interviewing experts in the healthcare, physical therapy, athletic training and sports science profession. Discussing the barriers we face today within the healthcare system to better understand the landscape and educate the consumer.

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  • Creator
    ajrsportsscience
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    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
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