The Chicago Center for Orthopedics at Weiss Memorial Hospital announced that it was selected by Chicago State University (CSU) to be its exclusive sports medicine provider. The sports medicine team at Weiss will provide more than 150 Chicago State student-athletes with orthopedic care at its new, state-of-the-art facility in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, as well access to nationally recognized medical staff.
“We are honored to be entrusted with the orthopedic care of Chicago State’s student-athletes,” said Jerry Henley, director of Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Development at Weiss Memorial Hospital. “NCAA Division 1 programs require the highest degree of care, which we are more than ready to deliver.”
Weiss Memorial Hospital has a rich history with many of Chicago’s sports teams, caring for both professional and amateur athletes in a variety of sports. Current partnerships include Chicago House Athletic Club; Roosevelt University; South Suburban College; Chicago Police and Fire Department football teams; Lincoln Park High School; Windy City Thunderbolts baseball; and professional mixed martial artists, among others.
The Chicago Center for Orthopedics will offer Chicago State student-athletes both orthopedic and primary care services, on par with top NCAA Division 1 programs. Chicago State teams will have a dedicated team physician during games with extended care both on and off the field. In addition, each student-athlete will have access to care tailored to their sport and will be educated on best injury prevention methods during the competition season and offseason.
Chicago State will also have access to Weiss’ Fast-Track program year-round, an initiative that provides athletes concierge-level care at a faster pace. For example, if an athlete gets hurt at practice or arrives in the emergency room with a sports-related injury, the on-call physician will treat the patient immediately. For injuries that require follow-up, the sports medicine team will work directly with the athlete to schedule a convenient appointment with an on-call physician.
Athletes will be able to see one of Weiss’s experienced sports medicine specialists, such as CSU lead team physician Sebastian Ko, M.D., within 24-48 hours and have all their imaging completed with results during this timeframe. This allows for a quick and decisive plan of care moving forward.
“As a former NCAA student-athlete, I understand the importance of quality care to the level of competition in Division 1,” said Dr. Ko. “Injuries can keep the best athletes from contributing at the highest level. Initiatives like the Fast-Track program will ensure that they will return to the field as quickly as possible.”
Chicago State features 15 teams that compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball. Based in the Roseland community of Chicago’s South Side, the Chicago State Cougars compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), a wide-ranging conference featuring schools from across the West Coast and Southwest.
“Competing in the WAC requires our student-athletes to be healthy around the clock,” said CSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Elliott Charles. “Weiss Memorial’s commitment to our university will not only help our student-athletes be in their best form, but also help them stay healthy throughout their careers at Chicago State. Our program will gain more success from the long-term health of our student-athletes.”