Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine Provides Free Preseason Physicals for Boston Public Schools

Over 150 student-athletes received free evaluations ahead of fall sports season

Boston, MA — For the third consecutive year, Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine provided Boston Public School athletes free preseason physicals ahead of the upcoming fall sports season. The session took place at Madison Park High School in Roxbury. This event marked the sixth time the healthcare system has performed the service for Boston’s city schools. 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.

“To be able to provide our student-athletes and their families this opportunity for preseason physicals helps us overcome a significant barrier to participation,” said Avery Esdaile, Senior Director of Athletics, Boston Public Schools. “For us, the collaboration with Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine has enabled our athletes to play safely and thrive.”

Getting the required 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 40 volunteer physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical assistants, and administrators from Mass General Brigham performed 150 exams free of charge to families, clearing the student-athletes to play and ensuring they receive the correct care plan when needed.

In addition to a pre-participation physical exam, which included vision and blood pressure screenings, and height/weight/body mass index testing, students and families had the opportunity to get a flu or COVID vaccination from Cataldo Ambulance Service. Fresh fruit and a $10 gift card to Fresh Truck Food Market were also given to each attendee to encourage healthy nutrition habits.

“The entire Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine team has been so engaged and excited to participate in these events and put our mission to support the city’s student-athletes into action,” said James Zachazewski, PT, DPT, ATC, Supervisor, Boston Public Schools Athletic Training Services at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine. “Our staff and clinicians providing these vital services for free allows these amazing student-athletes to enjoy their sports, which is what this is all about. It’s our pleasure to join with Boston Public Schools and make events like this happen.”