On Saturday, July 15, the Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute care center performed free sports physicals for the athletes at the four Frederick County schools, including Governor Thomas Johnson, Linganore, Tuscarora and Urbana High Schools, where MMI serves as team physicians.

For many years, the MMI care center performed free sports physicals for athletes who could not afford to pay for the examination that is required if a student wants to play high school sports in Frederick County. This service, which started out as a way to help students of limited financial means, has grown into a huge annual event for ALL student athletes at these four schools. More than 225 students registered for the event.

In this role, MMI physicians provide sideline coverage for all the home football games. Dr. Mark Chilton commented, “Patrolling the sidelines during football games gives us an opportunity to help keep the student athletes safe and healthy. Being close to the action allows us to make prompt medical decisions which are sometimes critical in giving the athlete and the coach the best medical advice.” 

In addition, MMI’s sports medicine physicians work in conjunction with each high school’s team athletic trainer to ensure the timely evaluation and treatment for injuries sustained during practice or in a game.

The doctors feel strongly about giving back to the community where they practice. Dr. James Steinberg, sports medicine specialist and team physician for Urbana High School, expressed the group’s community service orientation, saying, “We are very excited about this great opportunity to work with these student athletes and give back to the Frederick community. Community support is critical to the rearing of healthy, well-rounded youth. Whether in athletics or academics, through our work with these schools we want to stress the importance of family and community support toward excellence.”