SoutheastHEALTH orthopedic physicians Anthony McPherron, DO, Matthew Baker, MD, Charity Jacobs, MD, and SoutheastHEALTH sports medicine physician Andrew Lawrence, MD, will take on new roles this fall as official team physicians for Southeast Missouri State University’s NCAA Division 1 student athletes.
The agreement takes effect August 1. For the first time, physician and athletic trainer services are also included for intramural and club sports students and students in the performing arts. “We firmly believe that students in the dance, theater, music and club sports programs are athletes deserving just as much care and attention as those students participating in the NCAA Division 1 level for SEMO,” said McPherron.
Southeast Missouri State University Director of Athletics Brady Barke, said he is enthusiastic about the relationship with SoutheastHEALTH and believes the arrangement will allow Redhawk athletes to access services that help them excel in their sport. “We expect our affiliation with Southeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will better serve student athletes by improving performance and productivity, increasing pre-participation and injury rehabilitation awareness and strategies for success in athletics and in their health moving forward. Our colleagues, the athletics coaching staff at SEMO, view this as an impactful collaboration for the future."
Dr. McPherron has a wealth of experience with orthopedics in the collegiate setting. He comes to SoutheastHEALTH from Western Carolina University, where he served as orthopedic surgeon and team physician for nine area high schools. Prior to that, he practiced in Blacksburg, VA, where he served as an orthopedic surgeon for Virginia Tech University Athletics, New York Yankees Minor League Baseball, Pulaski affiliate, and Bluefield College Athletics.
Dr. Lawrence has extensive experience in sports medicine, including serving as head team physician for the St. Louis River City Rascals (Frontier League baseball), team physicians for the River City Raiders (professional arena football) and head team physician for the St. Louis Ambush (professional indoor soccer).
Combined, the two physicians have help over 16 collegiate and professional teams stay healthy, improve performance and return to the game quickly and safely.
“We look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with the University, the Department of Athletics and the performing arts programs at the River Campus,” Dr. McPherron said. “Working with student athletes and performers is very rewarding, especially when you are able to help them get back in the game or on stage after an injury or surgery. We are absolutely committed to providing the best orthopedic and sports medicine care in the region. ”
SoutheastHEALTH President and CEO Ken Bateman added that SoutheastHEALTH and Southeast Missouri State University has a longstanding, and valued, relationship. “This newest partnership is especially exciting for us. It allows us to meet the needs of a new community – student athletes and performers – and is another example of how collaborations make both participants involved stronger. We are honored to have earned this opportunity.”
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 50 care locations in 13 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.
