ASHLAND – University Hospitals has been named the official sports medicine partner for Ashland University Athletics.

The new partnership focuses on health, performance and injury prevention. As the official healthcare provider for the Cleveland Browns and sports medicine partner for more than 50 colleges, high schools and youth organizations across Northeast Ohio, University Hospitals delivers expert care from the sidelines to the operating room, according to the community announcement.

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"Our goal is to help every athlete perform at their highest level while practicing medicine with our feet in the grass, ensuring they receive the best possible care when injuries occur," said James Voos, MD, Chair, UH Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns. "We are excited to partner with Ashland University to provide student-athletes with immediate access to nationally recognized sports medicine experts and comprehensive support designed to keep them healthy throughout their athletic careers."

“University Hospitals is recognized nationally for its excellence in sports medicine, and we are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to student success,” said Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of Ashland University in the news release. “This partnership provides our student-athletes with access to outstanding medical expertise and reinforces our commitment to their health, safety and well-being. We are pleased to welcome University Hospitals as a trusted partner in supporting the continued success of our Eagle student-athletes.”

Ashland University student-athletes will have access to UH sports medicine specialists, including fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Grant Nelson, MD, and Joseph McShannic, MD, who specializes in sports and emergency medicine. In addition, seven athletic trainers are dedicated specifically to Ashland athletics. Drs. McShannic and Nelson have full-time practices serving the entire Ashland County community out of UH Samaritan Medical Center.

“UH Samaritan is the Hometown Team, and in partnering with Ashland University, we will be able to provide care for the athletes locally to keep them at their highest performance and health,” said Sylvia Radziszewski, President and Chief Operating Officer, UH Samaritan Medical Center.

University Hospitals' multidisciplinary Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute brings together orthopedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nutrition specialists, concussion experts, sports cardiology providers and a Level I trauma team to deliver coordinated, evidence-based care for athletes of all ages and abilities.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: University Hospitals partners with AU for sports medicine care