Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, routinely ranked as a top hospital in Florida and nationwide, is University of North Florida athletics first official health provider.
The partnership, which was announced May 11, will offer “world-class clinical services and medical coverage” for UNF coaches and student athletes, according to the university.
Nick Morrow, UNF vice president of intercollegiate athletics, said Mayo’s “world-class expertise will significantly enhance the care we provide our student-athletes, while reinforcing our collective focus on health, performance and long-term well-being.”
Mayo will provide weekly clinics at UNF athletic training facilities and comprehensive medical coverage at home competitions, as well as “direct access” to advanced evaluations, diagnostics and procedures, among other things, the university said.
“Our student-athletes and staff will benefit from onsite clinical services and access to Mayo Clinic’s sports medicine and orthopedic care,” said Fred Burnett, UNF’s senior associate athletic director and chief medical officer.
UNF and Mayo officials could not be reached about whether the partnership includes funding.
Dr. Kristina DeMatas, a family physician and sports medicine specialist at Mayo, will be head team physician and Dr. Matthew Crowe will lead orthopedic care.
“Mayo Clinic is proud to … help support the health, safety and performance of student-athletes,” DeMatas said. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to providing access to high-quality sports medicine, orthopedic care and comprehensive wellness resources both on and off the field.”
The partnership brings Mayo’s “depth of orthopedic and sports medicine expertise to UNF in a way that is proactive, personalized and grounded in the latest advancements in care,” said Dr. Bryan Springer, chairman of Mayo’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. “We’re excited to … help student-athletes stay strong, resilient and ready to compete.”
UNF, on Jacksonville’s Southside, has about 17,600 students and 19 Division I men’s and women’s varsity sports teams. The Ospreys compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
(This story has been updated with a new comment.)
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville’s Mayo Clinic to provide health care for UNF athletes
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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