DALLAS – Aug. 20, 2012 – UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians will oversee the health needs of the Dallas Stars as the team's official medical provider, marking the first time a single organization has managed the entire spectrum of medical care for the National Hockey League club.
This collaboration expands the longstanding relationship between the Stars and UT Southwestern, whose plastic surgeons and neuropsychologists have been part of the club's medical team for a decade. Faculty physicians from the medical center now will serve as team doctors and manage the full range of health care needs for the players, including the evaluation and treatment of injuries on and off the ice.
"We are excited about the opportunity to provide comprehensive medical care to the Stars through the breadth and depth of our expertise across the health care spectrum," said Dr. Bruce Meyer , executive vice president of health system affairs. "This professional sports partnership demonstrates the high level of health care that we are able to deliver in an academic medical center."
Frank Provenzano, assistant general manager of the Stars, said: "Since arriving in Dallas 20 years ago, the Dallas Stars have had a history of exceptional medical care provided to our athletes and staff. We look forward to continuing this tradition for our organization through the partnership with UT Southwestern. They bring a depth of expertise and passion for hockey and the Stars."
Two UT Southwestern physicians with far-reaching experience as sports-medicine specialists will lead the Stars' medical team. They are:
"One of the advantages of being in an academic medical center is that we have a large number of highly skilled and renowned specialists under one roof," Dr. Dimeff said. "That makes our communication and coordination of care more efficient and cost-effective."
The UT Southwestern medical team present at every Stars home game will include a primary care sports-medicine physician, orthopaedic sports surgeon, emergency-medicine specialist, dentist, and plastic surgeon. A full range of UT Southwestern medical and surgical specialists also will be available for consultation and medical services as needed.
"We have a deep bench of accomplished physicians across all specialties," Dr. Robertson said. "Our team will provide the same outstanding clinical care to the Stars that we give to the patients we see every day."
UT Southwestern will be visible on the Dallas Stars practice jerseys beginning next season. Physicians will work with the Stars to promote healthy messages and sports medicine tips for fans through "Hockey Pulse," found on Dallasstars.com , and also will take part in the NHL's "Hockey Fights Cancer" initiative.
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