More than 800 teens spent part of their Saturday morning May 6 participating in WK Sports Medicine’s annual physical screening for high school athletes. Physicals were given to 871 student athletes from 8 a.m. to noon at WK Eye Institute in preparation for the 2023-2024 school year.  

“We had another successful day screening hundreds of student athletes in preparation of their participation in their chosen sport. This was accomplished by many talented providers at Willis-Knighton who committed time to ensure the day was efficient and smooth,” said Mark Callanan, MD, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of WK Sports Medicine.  “This demonstrates the commitment that Willis-Knighton continues to make to the care and health of our student athletes."

For more than 21 years, WK Sports Medicine has offered the physicals to its client schools and other high schools in the community that do not have a sport medicine provider.

Exams were provided by doctors from Willis-Knighton Health System as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and students from the physical therapy assistant program at Bossier Parish Community College.

Students were screened for general medical and orthopedic health concerns that may put the student at a higher risk of injury, illness or other health problems that can result from physical activity. The student was either cleared to play or referred for further investigation if any positive findings were noted. Performing the physicals in the spring gives sports medicine staff the opportunity to identify those student athletes at risk and address their needs prior to the start of the next school year. Early identification and management of cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions in young athletes can reduce their risks.

As the exclusive provider of sports medicine services for all the high schools in Caddo Parish and several of the high schools in Bossier Parish, the medical staff in the Willis-Knighton Sports Medicine program is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the student athletes.

Willis-Knighton provides free certified athletic trainer services to many of the area high schools with staff assigned to specific schools to cover sports for injury prevention, treatment and management. They also assist in accessing physician intervention when indicated.