UA partners with Akron Children’s Hospital to develop new Sports Health Center
For 30 years, Akron Children’s Hospital has provided sports-related health services to The University of Akron’s student-athletes. The two organizations are taking that collaboration to a new level with a multiyear agreement that makes Akron Children’s the official sports health provider for Akron Zips Athletics.
The shared vision of athletic excellence includes a new sports health center Akron Children’s will build out on the University campus.
“The Akron Children’s Sports Health Center for Zips Athletics will be a comprehensive sports medicine facility within The University of Akron athletics complex,” said Chris Gessner, Akron Children’s Hospital president and CEO. “The center will not only serve student-athletes but also the entire University community of students, faculty and staff. In addition, it will be a destination sports injury evaluation and treatment facility for the community at large.”
Project planning is underway with a targeted completion date of early-to-mid 2023. The center will offer sports medicine, orthopedics and sports physical therapy clinics. The facility will feature an agility area, throwing wall, concussion treatment room, imaging suite for X-rays, weights and sports equipment, aqua therapy and a cast treatment area.
“It is extremely exciting to enter into a partnership with one of the nation’s premier health care organizations and one of Akron’s most trusted health care providers,” said UA President Gary L. Miller. “Not only will our student-athletes have access to world-class sports medicine, but the new Sports Health Center will offer these services to benefit the entire Akron community.”
The new agreement will bring an all-star lineup of Akron Children’s experts to Zips Athletics.
John Polousky, M.D., will serve as the lead team orthopedic surgeon. He has performed thousands of arthroscopic surgical procedures including ACL, complex shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle procedures. He was among the orthopedic surgeons selected to serve on the ACL Clinical Practice Guideline Committee, commissioned by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, to write national guidelines on caring for patients with ACL injuries.
Derrick Eddy, M.D., will serve as the sports medicine medical director and team physician. He has provided sideline coverage for University of Akron football and training room coverage since 2016. He has also served as team physician at other institutions including Walsh University, Wheeling Jesuit University and Bethany College.
Cortney Myer, PT, DPT, SCS, CIDN, is a board-certified physical therapist and sports clinical specialist. She is Akron Children’s lead physical therapist for The University of Akron Sports Medicine Program and a University adjunct faculty member.
“Our orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers and physical therapists have extensive experience in working with college, professional and elite-level athletes,” Gessner said. “In addition to caring for physical injuries, we will offer complementary services to focus on the overall wellness and health of the student-athlete.”
Miller also recognized the value of the partnership beyond the clinical setting. “This collaboration also opens avenues for new research and service opportunities for UA and Akron Children’s Hospital.”
About Zips Athletics
Founded in 1870, The University of Akron (UA) is one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, conducting high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines. The University offers more than 200 degree programs, including unique, highly ranked associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and law degrees — with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. UA is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, investment in community and economic growth. Akron sponsors 17 NCAA Division I sports with more than 500 student-athletes. Learn more at gozips.com.
About Akron Children’s Hospital
Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and our pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need. In 2021, our health care system provided more than 1.2 million patient encounters. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. Every year, our Akron Children’s Home Care nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School Health nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children’s Anywhere app, we’re here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at akronchildrens.org.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu