Focus Will be Safety, Integrity Alliance for National Thoroughbred Racing Association

BALTIMORE—(June 6, 2018)—MedStar Health sports medicine physician Kelly Ryan, DO, has been named to an advisory board for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, where she will help determine best practices to keep jockeys across the country safe and healthy.

Since partnering with Maryland Racing three years ago, Dr. Ryan and a team of MedStar Health physicians banded together to form MedStar Horsemen’s Health, a program designed to monitor the health of jockeys and other racetrack personnel at Maryland race tracks. A national spotlight has been fixed on their healthcare model since they designed and implemented important concussion protocols. By conducting baseline tests with jockeys before they are injured, they can best determine who has a concussion and if he or she is ready to return to ride. Other racetracks in the country, inspired by the work of Dr. Ryan and other MedStar Health sports medicine physicians, are now adopting similar concussion protocols at their facilities.

As a member of the Safety and Integrity Alliance, Dr. Ryan will help set policies to protect the health and safety of jockeys. Racetracks must comply with these policies to receive accreditation through the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Dr. Ryan is the first MedStar Health physician to be appointed to the Safety and Integrity Alliance and is currently the only sports medicine physician on the board.

“The things that we value at MedStar Health for all of our athletes will now be able to be applied to jockeys,” Dr. Ryan said. “We will be a voice for these athletes and hopefully continue to be a model for other racetracks.”

“Dr. Ryan’s perspective as a sports medicine physician will offer valuable insight as the Safety and Integrity Alliance works to craft safety standards for racetracks in the United States,” said Sean Huffman, vice president of MedStar Sports Medicine. “MedStar Health has been a leader in setting standards for jockey safety and we are excited that Dr. Ryan’s vision and expertise is being recognized on a national scale.”

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About MedStar Health

MedStar Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to caring for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. MedStar’s 30,000 associates, 6,000 affiliated physicians, 10 hospitals, ambulatory care and urgent care centers, and the MedStar Health Research Institute are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar trains more than 1,100 medical residents annually. MedStar Health’s patient-first philosophy combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visit MedStarHealth.org.

About MedStar Sports Medicine

MedStar Sports Medicine is one of the premier sports medicine programs in the country. Over the past 30 years, MedStar Sports Medicine has grown to include more than 60 physicians, 40 certified athletic trainers and a network of therapists, nutritionists, and support staff at MedStar Health’s ten hospitals and diversified services. Focused on patient care, education, research and team relationships, this network of medical professionals is dedicated to enhancing the health and performance of all active people. More than 40 sports organizations, including the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, DC United, and US Lacrosse, have chosen MedStar Sports Medicine as their official sports medicine team. Visit us at MedStarSportsMed.org, or call 888-44-SPORT (888-447-7678).

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