New Model for Student-Athlete Care at TU

TULSA, Okla. – The University of Tulsa Athletics announced today its move to a new model of student-athlete care that is becoming more popular among major collegiate athletic programs.

TU Athletics will continue its more than 55+ year alliance with Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma (AOOK), known at the beginning of the partnership as Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center. The relationship now includes collaboration with Oklahoma Surgical Hospital (OSH) to maximize the medical health resources available in providing the best care possible for TU student-athletes.

"We're excited about this continuing, yet new relationship," said TU's Vice President & Director of Athletics Rick Dickson. "It will further enhance the level of care to our student-athletes with expanded services, physical and occupational therapy, access to clinics to name a few of the additional amenities."

This model transitions the management of TU's current sports medicine staff of 12 athletic trainers to Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma, with additional support provided by Oklahoma Surgical Hospital. As a result, staff members now fully report to medical professionals rather than reporting to university athletic administrators, thus creating a true medical oversight and healthcare supported model.

"This type of relationship is becoming more prevalent among athletic programs from around the country. AOOK's longstanding commitment to TU has been unwavering and their orthopedic care of our student-athletes has been top-notch. AOOK's coordination of this new model, along with support from Oklahoma Surgical Hospital, will ensure continued and timely access for all TU athletic programs and student athletes to state-of-the-art diagnostic, medical and surgical care." Dickson added.

It clearly enhances the education and coordination of medical care between TU coaches and the sports medicine staff. It will also provide TU athletic trainers with direct access to and support from some of the most experienced sports medicine physicians and a leading local orthopedic hospital.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The University of Tulsa. Since the 1960's, EOOC Sports Medicine Doctors Jim White, George Mauerman, Jeff Emel and others have worked in conjunction with TU Athletic Trainers Scott McGonagle, Greg Gardner, Dave Polanski and recently with Chris Nerio in creating a model for collegiate sports medicine and athletic training care for TU student-athletes," said Brad Boone, MD, AOOK, the Medical Director of the program.

"It's been an honor to be part of this program over the years and I'm even more excited about its future. As sports medicine has evolved, together with Oklahoma Surgical Hospital and TU, we remain dedicated to continue providing the highest level of care to student-athletes."

New Model for Student-Athlete Care at TU

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