Community Outreach at Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Community Outreach Program provides Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) and Board Certified, Sports Medicine orthopedic surgeons and primary sports medicine physicians to meet the needs of the recreational, scholastic and collegiate athletes throughout the Tampa Bay area. Our Outreach Program provides services which include daily coverage of practice and all home events, as well as special events in the community.

To become a certified athletic trainer, students must graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer. Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements to remain certified. Athletic trainers must also work under the direction of a physician and within their state’s practice act.

Athletic Trainers are vital for all types of athletes in all areas of sport. What makes ATC’s unique is their on-field medical training where they perform injury evaluations, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Athletic Trainers develop and maintain the overall physical fitness of athletes and assist athletes in achieving a high level of fitness necessary to compete successfully.

Sports Medicine Outreach Services

In conjunction with USF and select Physical Therapy athletic trainers, we work closely with physicians, coaching staffs and school nurses in evaluating athletic injuries, providing information on the management of injuries and returning the athlete safely to their sport. ATC’s also set up prevention programs, including strengthening, conditioning and flexibility training. Our Sports Medicine Outreach Services provide educational opportunities for students, coaches and other members of the community on various topics.

ImPACT® – Concussion Management Program

ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) helps evaluate and document multiple aspects of neurocognitive functioning, including memory, attention span, brain processing speed, reaction time, and post-concussive symptoms. It is the most scientifically validated computerized evaluation and specialized treatment for concussions. ImPACT’s research-based computer tests help our physicians evaluate an athlete’s recovery following concussion with user-friendly injury documentation to track the injury from the field and through the recovery process. It helps ensure an appropriate period before returning to sports, and the lowest risk possible for repeated concussions or long-term problems.

S.M.A.R.T. – Sports Medicine and Athletic Related Trauma

We are participants in USF’s Sports Medicine and Athletic Related Trauma (S.M.A.R.T.) Institute – a comprehensive sports safety program funded by the Florida Legislature. S.M.A.R.T. uses a multidisciplinary approach with a team of professionals through the use of education, research, and injury care and prevention to elevate the standard of care for the youth, recreational, high school, collegiate and professional athletes.

Positive Coaching Alliance

Florida Orthopaedic Institute is a partner of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) which develops “BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE” through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes. In addition to 1,500+ free audio-video and printable tips and tools at www.PCADevZone.org, PCA has partnered with roughly 3,500 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books, by PCA Founder Jim Thompson that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.

High School Outreach

We partner with area high schools to offer local student-athletes the best care possible. Each school has a licensed, Certified Athletic Trainer that covers athletic events through our partners, USF and Select Physical Therapy. We also work with USF to provide Board Certified, Sports Medicine physicians and surgeons for 20 high schools throughout Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

Once a year we provide pre-participation physicals for area athletes. Any Junior High or High School participant in any sport is able to get a physical for only $10, with all proceeds donated back to their school to buy athletic training supplies.

College/University

We are proud to serve the University of Tampa Spartans and USF Bulls. Our staff of physicians provides on-site and year-round care for all teams.

Special Events Planning Team

We have a Special Events Management Team that covers events such as youth sport leagues or tournaments and large nonprofit charitable events. This team consists of Certified Athletic Trainers.

By providing team physicians and Athletic Trainers to visit these campuses, we provide a service that benefits the athlete and local community. School Districts in Hillsborough and Pasco counties receive great benefits from having licensed Certified Athletic Trainers and team physicians work with their athletes. This allows student-athletes access healthcare professionals without leaving their community.