Sutter Health has implemented a walk-in Saturday Sports Injury Clinic that provides orthopedic and sports medicine evaluation for student athletes with recent sports-related injuries.
The clinic is led by fellowship-trained sports medicine and orthopedics specialist Dr. Chad Burgoyne and is designed to help families obtain quick assessment, treatment recommendations and guidance on the next steps to return to school, practice and play, according to Sutter Health.
“This clinic is a great example of our commitment to youth sports medicine and orthopedics, its connection to our pediatrics care, and strengthening community relationships,” said Dr. Kurt Ransohoff, president, Sutter Health Greater Central Coast.
No appointment is required on Saturday mornings at Sutter’s Pesetas Care Center, 215 Pesetas Lane, Santa Barbara.
Patients should check in at 8 a.m. through the Sutter Urgent Care entrance and indicate they are there for the Saturday Sports Injury Clinic.
Existing and new patients are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and athletic trainers may accompany their athletes.
The clinic brings together urgent care, sports medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics and physical therapy to create a more connected pathway for injured student-athletes, Sutter said.
Following an evaluation, the care team can help determine whether an athlete needs additional orthopedic or sports medicine care, diagnostic imaging, or physical therapy.
“We understand injuries often occur during Friday night football games and on weekdays during student athletic activities,” said Dr. Burgoyne. “This clinic is designed for young patients who want to be evaluated, but do not want to wait until Monday to be seen.
“We’re thrilled to provide this service to support local schools, athletes and their families.”
The clinic idea grew from volunteer sideline medical coverage at Dos Pueblos High School football home games.
Dr. Burgoyne and pediatrician Dr. Dan Brennan, medical director, Sutter Health Greater Central Coast’s Children’s Health Service Line, saw firsthand that student athletes needed a timely option after injuries sustained late in the week.
“It’s been our privilege through building relationships with the student-athletes and the school’s training team, to learn exactly what type of care would be most helpful and then to be able to provide it.” said Dr. Brennan.
The Sutter medical team will operate the clinic during the school year, but hopes to continue discussions with the school district and local sports clubs to gauge the possibility of making the clinic a year-round option, Sutter said.
The conditions which can be evaluated at the clinic include:
• Sprains and strains
• Suspected fractures
• Joint, shoulder, knee or ankle injuries
• Sports-related musculoskeletal concerns
• Injuries sustained during games, practices, or athletic activities
The clinic is not designed to provide:
• Routine sports physicals
• Annual wellness exams
• Evaluations of chronic orthopedic conditions without a recent injury
• Non-sports-related medical concerns
• Primary care exams
• Emergencies requiring immediate hospital treatment.
Families should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening or severe injuries.