Aug 15, 2022Delaware Student-Athletes Get Free Sports Physicals Ahead of Fall Season
Nearly 70 young athletes from Delaware participated in free sports physicals to prepare them for their next sports season thanks to 11 family medicine resident physicians who volunteered their time on a recent Saturday to provide this service.
The event was held in partnership with the Bayhealth Family Medicine Residency Program and Bayhealth Medical Group.
Held at Bayhealth Family Medicine Dover, the event reflected Bayhealth’s commitment to provide access to care and help strengthen the health of the community. It was also an opportunity to shine a light on the residency program and the benefits it brings to the community.
“My fellow residents and I were so excited to offer this service to the community,” said Samantha Ginder, DO, a postgraduate year 2 family medicine resident physician who spearheaded the event. “Many of us chose family medicine for the opportunity to care for people of all ages. To have a day dedicated to kids was a blast, and we were honored to ensure their safety before they step on the field.”
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Family Medicine Residency Program Director Brintha Vasagar, MD, was pleased to help encourage participation in sports because of the long-term benefits they provide children. “Kids who play sports are more likely to be active adults, have fewer chronic health concerns, have significantly better mental health, and are even more likely to graduate from college,” she said.
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Many families took advantage of the free event, bringing multiple children to check their sports physicals off the summer to-do list. Nicole Markland’s three daughters were in and out in less than an hour. “When I saw that Bayhealth was offering free physicals, I knew I had to take advantage of it with three daughters preparing for fall activities,” said Markland. “And I’m glad I did, because the process was seamless, fast, and the doctors and staff were all very kind.”
In addition to sports physicals, Bayhealth offers many other services to help keep athletes on the field including primary care, sports medicine, physical therapy, and more.
To learn more about the Delaware sports healthcare program, go to Bayhealth.org/Stay-Strong. To schedule an appointment, go to Bayhealth.org/Family-Medicine or call 302-725-3200.
