HOI Sports Medicine Symposium: Educating the Front Line of Athlete Care

Hoag Orthopedic Institute's commitment to sports medicine leadership extends beyond the operating room to the professionals who safeguard athletes every day. The 4^th annual Hoag Orthopedic Sports Medicine Symposium brought together 125 certified athletic trainers, athletic training students, physical therapists and physical therapy students for a full day of education on injury prevention and the care of athletes.

This year's theme, "Overcoming Challenges," brought that mission to life through a distinguished faculty. Keynote speaker Kerry Peterson, an adaptive athlete, traveler, speaker, advocate and medical professional, set the tone with a powerful account of resilience. Chris Meinhold, PT, and David Kruse, MD, shared insights from their clinical work with adaptive and para-athletes, while David Gazzaniga, MD, Division Chief of Sports Medicine at HOI, addressed the changing paradigm in youth sports. Rounding out the program, UC Irvine head basketball coach Russell Turner examined the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on the modern athletic landscape.

Case studies, an "Ask Me Anything" expert panel and dedicated networking opportunities fostered the kind of direct exchange between HOI physicians and frontline practitioners that strengthens the entire continuum of athlete care – from the sidelines to the clinic.

“By investing in the education of the professionals closest to athletes, HOI is multiplying its clinical expertise across the community and reinforcing its position as the region's definitive resource for sports medicine,” said Dr. Gazzaniga.