2021 AOSSM-AANA Combined Annual Meeting Recordings-Panel Discussion with Chief Medical Officers of the Major Professional Leagues. Topics will include: Concussion, Toradol/NSAODs/PEDs, Game Day Protocols, League Rule Changes, COVID-19

Panel Discussion with Chief Medical Officers of the Major Professional Leagues. Topics will include: Concussion, Toradol/NSAODs/PEDs, Game Day Protocols, League Rule Changes, COVID-19

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panelists discussed various topics related to player safety in their respective sports leagues. They touched on the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adapting to the unknown nature of the virus, working with different health systems, and implementing protocols to keep players and staff safe. They also discussed the role of performance-enhancing drugs in sports and how their leagues have adopted their own policies rather than signing on to international organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency. The panelists emphasized the importance of education and incentives to encourage players to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but acknowledged that mandating vaccinations is not feasible in their respective leagues. They also discussed the development of concussion protocols and the challenges of dealing with head injuries in their sports. The panelists shared their experiences in their roles as medical directors and chief medical officers and discussed the need for collaboration between team physicians, league officials, and players' associations. They talked about the importance of data collection and research to improve player safety and the challenges of accessing and sharing that data. The panelists also addressed the use of painkillers and IV fluids in their sports and the policies in place to regulate their use. They discussed rule changes and equipment modifications they would like to see to enhance player safety, such as the use of shot blockers in hockey and the development of head protection for pitchers in baseball. They highlighted the need for ongoing research in areas such as injury prevention and the effects of cannabis use on performance. The panelists acknowledged the challenges of their roles, including navigating collective bargaining agreements, managing liability risks, and working within a complex and ever-changing system. However, they emphasized the rewards of their work in ensuring the health and safety of professional athletes.

Asset Caption

John DiFiori, MD, FACSM; Gary Green, MD; Bradley Nelson, MD; Margot Putukian, MD; Allen Sills, MD

Keywords

player safety

COVID-19 pandemic

protocols

vaccination

concussion protocols

head injuries

data collection

painkillers

rule changes

professional athletes