​Ashland University Athletics has announced a new official sports medicine partnership with Ashland-based University Hospitals (UH). The collaboration centers on promoting health, optimizing performance, and preventing injuries for Eagle athletes. UH currently serves as the official healthcare provider for the Cleveland Browns and is a trusted sports medicine partner for more than 50 colleges, high schools, and youth organizations across Northeast Ohio. According to a community press release, UH delivers comprehensive medical care ranging from sideline support to operating room expertise.
“My goal is to help every athlete reach their highest level of performance while grounding medical practice in the field,” stated James Voos, MD, who chairs UH’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, holds the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, and serves as Head Team Physician for the Browns. “We are thrilled to partner with Ashland University to give student-athletes rapid access to nationally recognized sports medicine specialists and a full spectrum of support designed to keep them healthy throughout their athletic careers.”
Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of Ashland University, highlighted the national reputation of University Hospitals in sports medicine. “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our dedication to student success,” he said 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 ongoing success of our Eagle student-athletes.”
Under the partnership, Ashland University student-athletes will have access to UH sports medicine specialists, including Grant Nelson, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, and Joseph McShannic, MD, who focuses on sports and emergency medicine. In addition, seven athletic trainers will be dedicated specifically to Ashland athletics. Both Drs. McShannic and Nelson maintain full-time practices serving the entire Ashland County community from UH Samaritan Medical Center.
“UH Samaritan is the Hometown Team, and by partnering with Ashland University, we can deliver local care that helps athletes stay at peak performance and in optimal health,” remarked Sylvia Radziszewski, President and Chief Operating Officer of UH Samaritan Medical Center.
The University Hospitals system’s 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. This integrated, evidence-based approach is designed to coordinate care for athletes of all ages and abilities, ensuring comprehensive support from prevention through rehabilitation.
This story originated with the Ashland Times-Gazette and was shared to highlight the new partnership and its potential impact on Ashland University’s student-athletes.