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Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine Provide Free Pre-Participation Physical Exams for Boston Public School Athletes

A large group of Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine team members pose in a gymnasium.

Approximately 250 student-athletes received free evaluations ahead of the Fall sports season.

The 5th annual free pre-participation physical exam event by Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine for Boston Public School athletes was held with approximately 250 student-athletes seen ahead of the upcoming Fall sports season. The event took place at Madison Park High School in Roxbury on Saturday May 16th. Mass General Brigham’s athletic trainers and clinical connections provide comprehensive care across all sports seasons for Boston Public Schools, which includes participation from over 2,000 student-athletes.

“Ensuring that every student-athlete has access to the resources they need to safely participate in athletics is a top priority for Boston Public Schools. A current physical is a required and essential first step,” said Senior Athletics Director Avery Esdalle. "This weekend’s effort helps remove what can be a barrier to many families and opens the door for more students to fully engage in the opportunities athletics provide. We are grateful for our partnership with Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine for their collaboration and commitment to supporting the health, safety and well-being of our students.”

Two Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine team members sit at a table with two Boston Public Schools athletes. A sign on the front of the table reads, "BP/HR" for blood pressure/heart rate screenings.
Two student-athletes sit at a blood pressure/heart rate screening station with two members of the Sports Medicine team.

Getting the required pre-participation physical examination is often a major hurdle for those in under-served communities, where it can be challenging to access care, representing a barrier and health risk to participating in sports. The team of over 50 volunteer physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical assistants, and administrators from Mass General Brigham performed the exams free of charge to families, clearing the student-athletes to play and ensuring they receive the correct care plan when needed.

The pre-participation physical exam included vision and blood pressure screenings, and height/weight/body mass index testing. New for this year, Boston Public School Health Services provided vision screening and anyone who was noted with vision issues received an additional vision screening and were provided with a free pair of glasses which 15 students received.

In addition, representatives from the Boston Legacy FC also were on hand to offer giveaways. Mass General Brigham also serves as the club’s Official Medical Provider and Sports Medicine Partner.

“The Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine and Athletic Training teams are proud to support the 5th Annual Boston Public Schools Pre Participation Physical Exam Event, an opportunity to give back to the Boston community. By providing free, essential resources and services, we help remove barriers to access care and support the health and safety of BPS student athletes and their families. This event reflects our shared commitment to community wellness, access to care, and ensuring these student athletes can safely participate in the sports,” said Jessica Meiley, ATC, MPH, Supervisor, Boston Public Schools Athletic Training Services at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine.

Media contact

Tim Sullivan
Senior Program Manager, External Communications
tsullivan11@mgb.org 617-501-5985

About Mass General Brigham

Mass General Brigham is an integrated academic health care system, uniting great minds to solve the hardest problems in medicine for our communities and the world. Mass General Brigham connects a full continuum of care across a system of academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, a health insurance plan, physician networks, community health centers, home care, and long-term care services. Mass General Brigham is a nonprofit organization committed to patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. In addition, Mass General Brigham is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research organizations with several Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals. For more information, please visit massgeneralbrigham.org.