The ALL ME® Podcast

MLB Team Physicians – Steven Cohen, MD

Summary

Dr. Cohen, a board-certified sports medicine surgeon, discusses his journey to becoming a medical doctor and orthopedic surgeon. He emphasizes the importance of getting exposure to the medical field at a young age and seeking opportunities to shadow or talk to physicians. Dr. Cohen explains that orthopedics is a branch of surgery that focuses on bones and joints, with various subspecialties such as sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and more. He also discusses his role as the head team physician for the Philadelphia Phillies and the involvement of team physicians in player care, including minor league players and visiting teams. Dr. Cohen highlights the collaborative nature of the medical team and their role in providing medical information for trades and draft picks. Dr. Steve Cohen discusses the importance of communication and education in youth sports, particularly when it comes to sports specialization and overuse injuries. He emphasizes the need for parents to communicate with coaches about pitch counts and rest days for young pitchers, and to advocate for their children’s well-being. Dr. Cohen also highlights the importance of building relationships with athletes and the joy of seeing them succeed both on and off the field.

Takeaways

·        Getting exposure to the medical field at a young age is important for aspiring doctors.

·        Orthopedics is a branch of surgery that focuses on bones and joints, with various subspecialties.

·        Team physicians are responsible for the care of all players, including minor league players and visiting teams.

·        The medical team collaborates and provides medical information for trades and draft picks. Communication and education are key in preventing overuse injuries in youth sports.

·        Parents should communicate with coaches about pitch counts and rest days for young pitchers.

·        Building relationships with athletes is important for their success and well-being.

·        Sports specialization does not necessarily lead to becoming a professional athlete.

·        Multi-sport athletes are preferred over single-specialized athletes.

·        Youth athletes should not be throwing excessive pitch counts.

·        Travel tournaments and multiple games in a short period of time can contribute to overuse injuries.

·        Parents should advocate for their children’s well-being and enforce pitch count rules.

·        The Taylor Hooton Foundation promotes living and competing without the use of performance-enhancing substances.

Chapters

00:00 Becoming a Medical Doctor and Orthopedic Surgeon

03:07 Exploring the Field of Orthopedics

09:07 The Role of a Team Physician

22:07 The Importance of Communication and Education in Youth Sports

23:53 The Impact of Sports Specialization on Youth Athletes

26:49 The Dangers of Excessive Pitch Counts in Youth Baseball

28:41 Advocating for Youth Athletes’ Well-being

35:26 Building Relationships with Athletes for Success On and Off the Field

37:49 The Taylor Hooton Foundation: Promoting Clean and Healthy Sports

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