Athletic Medicine at the University of Vermont

The University of Vermont Athletic Medicine department strives to deliver high quality, evidence-based care with an individualized, patient-centered approach to help student-athletes achieve success in sport, classroom, and life outside of and after their college experience.

Athletic Medicine General Information

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Address:
140 Patrick Gymnasium, 97 Spear St., Burlington, VT 05405

Patrick Gymnasium Athletic Training Room
Phone: (802) 656-7750
Fax: (802) 656-9578

Gutterson Fieldhouse Athletic Training Room
Phone: (802) 656-9951

Hours of Operation
Monday- Friday 9:00am-6:00PM *These are general hours of operation. Coverage of team practice and games as needed.
Saturday & Sunday Closed for general hours of operation
*Varsity team/game coverage only

Services Available: Whirlpools, Electric Stimulation, Ultrasound, Hydocollator, Graston Technique, Rehabilitation equipment, Bikes, Iontophroesis, Ice, Emergency Equipment, and many other athletic training services.

The University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department utilizes electronic medical records in accordance with the Center for Health and Wellbeing.

Athletic Medicine Information and Forms for Athletes

Athletic Medicine Incoming & Transfer Student-Athletes

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Incoming and transfer student-athletes must log into the MyWellbeing Student Portal and complete a detailed medical history questionnaire.  

All forms on the MyWellbeing Student Portal must be completed 4 weeks prior to your scheduled report date or earlier at the discretion of your athletic trainer for review by Athletic Medicine staff.

INCOMING STUDENT-ATHLETE QUICK LINKS:
Welcome Letter
Medical Exception Form
MyWellbeing Student Portal
Physical Form
Concussion Policy
Sickle Cell Policy

Every incoming student-athlete or transfer must undergo a Pre-Participation Physical Exam. 

The Pre-Participation Physical Examination will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Medical history review;
  • Height, weight, and vision screen;
  • Pulse, blood pressure, and cardiovascular screen
  • Concussion Baseline Testing Battery
  • Medical Physical examination
  • Orthopedic screening examination.

Selected individuals may also be required to complete additional tests such as:

  • Blood test;
  • Urinalysis;
  • EKG and/or Echocardiogram;
  • X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and/or bone scan;
  • Isokinetic Evaluation; and/or
  • Other diagnostic test(s) as prescribed by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.

**Costs associated with any tests, consultations, and/or medical procedures needed to gain medical approval/certification for participation will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.

The University of Vermont Department of Athletic Medicine Department reserves the right to refuse medical approval/certification for participation based on the medical opinion of the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.
 

If, for any reason, the student-athlete is not medically cleared for intercollegiate athletics participation, they will be notified by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel at the end of the pre-participation physical examination.

*Incoming student athletes and transfers are also required to provide evidence of their sickle cell status (Per NCAA by law 17.1.5). Student-Athletes must complete the Sickle Cell Disclosure Form (included in New Student-Athlete Medical Forms). Please read the UVM Sickle Cell Position Statement.

*If the student-athlete is taking prescription medication, including ADD/ADHD they need to complete the Medical Exception Form and return it to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department and the NCAA SSI, including all required documentation listed on the form. Common medications which require an exception form include - stimulant medications for ADHD, Albuterol or combination inhalers for asthma, and spironolactone for acne. To check if your medication is banned by the NCAA please visit Drug Free Sport (when prompted sign up for an account).

*Medical Documentation from previous surgeries, medical conditions and injuries will need to be submitted to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Staff.

If you have specific questions please contact your Athletic Trainer 

Staff Directory (Scroll to the bottom for Athletic Trainers)

Athletic Medicine Returning Student-Athlete Info

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Returning student-athletes must log into the MyWellbeing Student Portal and update their detailed medical history questionnaire.  All forms on the MyWellbeing Student Portal must be completed 4 weeks prior to your scheduled report date or earlier at the discretion of your athletic trainer for review by Athletic Medicine staff.

RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETE QUICK LINKS:
Welcome Letter
Medical Exception Form
MyWellbeing Student Portal
Physical Form
Concussion Policy
Sickle Cell Policy

Every returning student-athlete must undergo a Pre-Participation Physical Exam. The Pre-Participation Physical Examination will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Medical history review;
  • Height, weight, and vision screen;
  • Pulse, blood pressure, and cardiovascular screen
  • Concussion Baseline Testing Battery
  • Medical Physical examination
  • Orthopedic screening examination.

Selected individuals may also be required to complete additional tests such as:

  • Blood test;
  • Urinalysis;
  • EKG and/or Echocardiogram;
  • X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and/or bone scan;
  • Isokinetic Evaluation; and/or

Other diagnostic test(s) as prescribed by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.

**Costs associated with any tests, consultations, and/or medical procedures needed to gain medical approval/certification for participation will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.

The University of Vermont Department of Athletic Medicine Department reserves the right to refuse medical approval/certification for participation based on the medical opinion of the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.

If, for any reason, the student-athlete is not medically cleared for intercollegiate athletics participation, they will be notified by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel at the end of the pre-participation physical examination.

*If the student-athlete is taking prescription medication, including ADD/ADHD they need to complete the Medical Exception Form and return it to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department and the NCAA SSI, including all required documentation listed on the form. Common medications which require an exception form include - stimulant medications for ADHD, Albuterol or combination inhalers for asthma, and spironolactone for acne. To check if your medication is banned by the NCAA please visit Drug Free Sport (when prompted sign up for an account).

*Medical Documentation from previous surgeries, medical conditions and injuries will need to be submitted to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Staff. If you have specific questions please contact your Athletic Trainer 

Staff Directory (scroll down for Athletic Medicine staff)

Athletic Medicine Tryout Information

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Clearance Process for Student-Athlete Tryout

The University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department requires all prospective "tryout student-athletes" to complete and submit the same information as an incoming Student-Athlete. They must also complete the Tryout Questionnaire and Release FormThe tryout student-athlete will be permitted to further participate in practice, strength and conditioning sessions, and/or compete in intercollegiate athletic event, only after all of the above have been completed.

TRYOUT STUDENT-ATHLETE QUICK LINKS
Welcome Letter
Medical Exception Form
MyWellbeing Student Portal
Physical Form
Concussion Policy
Sickle Cell Policy
Tryout Student-Athlete Medical History Questionnaire
Assumption of Risk Form and Tryout Release & Waiver of Liability

Every incoming student-athlete or transfer must undergo a Pre-Participation Physical Exam. The Pre-Participation Physical Examination will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Medical history review;
  • Height, weight, and vision screen;
  • Pulse, blood pressure, and cardiovascular screen
  • Concussion Baseline Testing Battery
  • Medical Physical examination
  • Orthopedic screening examination.

Selected individuals may also be required to complete additional tests such as:

  • Blood test;
  • Urinalysis;
  • EKG and/or Echocardiogram;
  • X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and/or bone scan;
  • Isokinetic Evaluation; and/or
  • Other diagnostic test(s) as prescribed by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.
     

**Costs associated with any tests, consultations, and/or medical procedures needed to gain medical approval/certification for participation will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.

The University of Vermont Department of Athletic Medicine Department reserves the right to refuse medical approval/certification for participation based on the medical opinion of the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or their designee.

If, for any reason, the student-athlete is not medically cleared for intercollegiate athletics participation, they will be notified by the University of Vermont Team Physician and/or University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel at the end of the pre-participation physical examination.

*Incoming student athletes and transfers are also required to provide evidence of their sickle cell status (Per NCAA by law 17.1.5). Student-Athletes must complete the Sickle Cell Disclosure Form (included in New Student-Athlete Medical Forms). Please read the UVM Sickle Cell Position Statement.

*If the student-athlete is taking prescription medication, including ADD/ADHD they need to complete the Medical Exception Form and return it to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department and the NCAA SSI, including all required documentation listed on the form. Common medications which require an exception form include - stimulant medications for ADHD, Albuterol or combination inhalers for asthma, and spironolactone for acne. To check if your medication is banned by the NCAA please visit Drug Free Sport (when prompted sign up for an account).

*Medical Documentation from previous surgeries, medical conditions and injuries will need to be submitted to the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Staff. 

For specific questions, please contact your Athletic Trainer. 

Staff Directory (scroll down for Athletic Medicine staff)

On-Campus Evaluations

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Athletic Medicine Information for Basketball Prospect's On-Campus Evaluation

  • Clearance Process
    After completing ARMS request, the NCAA and the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine
  • Department requires all prospective student-athletes to complete and submit the following

Information packet prior to on-campus evaluation:
 On-Campus Evaluation Medical Packet (.pdf) 

NCAA On-Campus Evaluation Reminders:

  • For a high school or preparatory school senior, the evaluation may be conducted only after the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's season and after he or she has exhausted high school or preparatory school eligibility in basketball.
  • For a two-year college prospective student-athlete, the evaluation may be conducted only after the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's season and after he or she has exhausted his or her two-year college eligibility in basketball.
  • For a four-year college prospective student-athlete, the evaluation may be conducted only after the conclusion of the prospective student-athlete's season. (See Bylaw 13.1.1.3).
  • The on-campus evaluation may be conducted only during the prospective student-athlete's official or unofficial visit.
  • The duration of the on-campus evaluation activities shall be limited to two hours; and if current student-athletes participate, it must count towards team's CARA activity for that week.

Athletic Medicine Insurance Information

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The University of Vermont requires students to carry sufficient health insurance.  Many students retain their personal family coverage, which often provides adequate benefits while the student is at school.  Parents or students who wish to consider purchasing the UVM-offered Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) may enroll in the plan annually, prior to the start of the fall semester.  

Details about the UVM SHIP can be found here:

 UVM SHIP and insurance requirements

Enrollment in the UVM SHIP is mandatory for international students studying at UVM on a F1 visa. 
 
A student's health insurance plan, whether provided by parent or legal guardian, or purchased through the university, is referred to as student athlete's PRIMARY INSURANCE. Any student athlete enrolled in the UVM SHIP will be covered for injury or illness as described in the plan's Summary of Benefits. The UVM SHIP also includes coverage for injuries related to intercollegiate athletics participation UP TO A LIMIT of the Policy Benefits up to $1,500 per injury.

The Department of Athletics provides specific additional athletic injury insurance coverage from $1,500- $90,000, plus NCAA lifetime catastrophic injury insurance above the $90,000 maximum for qualified student athletes, with benefits determined by policy schedules.  These two (2) University sponsored accident and sickness insurance policies provide SECONDARY, or "EXCESS" coverage only after benefits from a primary policy are exhausted, if such a policy exists.

NOTE: THE STUDENT, OR PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY THESE TWO (2) POLICIES.

If you have a policy which is limited in coverage, does not provide comprehensive benefits in the UVM/Burlington, Vermont area, or if there is a high deductible, we suggest that you advise your student to enroll in the UVM SHIP to obtain adequate primary insurance coverage.  Inadequate coverage would result in you/your student being left responsible for the $1,500 deductible amount for any athletic injury-related services, before the athletic/excess insurance goes into effect.

If you have any questions regarding the UVM SHIP, please feel free to contact Brayden McKenna at (802) 656-0602 or email Brayden.McKenna@uvm.edu If you have questions regarding payment of the premium charge, please call Student Accounts at (802) 656-5700.

Other Information of Note:
HMOs
If a student athlete's primary insurance is an HMO, the University of Vermont Athletic Medicine Department encourages the student-athlete and/or his/her parent/guardian to change the primary care physician (PCP) to a local(Burlington, VT) PCP. This will allow the student-athlete access to a network of physicians in the Burlington, Vermont areas, as well as better access to care.

UVM SPONSORED HEALTH PLAN (SHIP)
The University of Vermont offers all registered students the opportunity to purchase the university-sponsored primary insurance. This insurance covers illness, accidents and athletic injuries.  Students who enroll in the SHIP can print their own health insurance ID card from the online site once their membership has been activated:  https://consolidatedhealthplan.com/members/online_id_card_login

Students should keep their card with them at all times in the event that they need off-campus medical services.

SECONDARY (ATHLETIC) INSURANCE COVERAGE | 2024-2025

Athletic Insurance ID
The University of Vermont Athletic Department provides specific athletic injury insurance for eligible student athletes. Below are links that will help to answer many questions regarding this coverage.
Secondary Policy Bill Processing 
Frequently Asked Questions

LIMITATIONS ON SECONDARY INSURANCE COVERAGE
The University of Vermont Athletic Department (secondary) insurance will pay for the excess of any necessary medical treatment for any injury incurred during intercollegiate sports participation.  Coverage will be provided for expenses incurred within 104 weeks (2 years) from the initial injury/accident date.

COMPLIANCE WITH INSURANCE COMPANY REQUESTS
It is the student athlete's and his/her parent/guardian responsibility to understand the conditions that apply to their personal health insurance policy and to comply with any requests for information from the primary insurance company. Any delinquent bills resulting in bad credit due to non-compliance with insurance company requests may be the responsibility of the student athlete and/or his/her parent/guardian.

NCAA POST-ELIGIBILITY
The NCAA sponsors a post-eligibility insurance program that supports student-athletes beyond their playing days. For up to two years (104 weeks) after student-athletes separate from school or voluntarily withdraw from athletics, the program covers excess accident medical expenses for athletically related injuries sustained during participation in an NCAA qualifying intercollegiate sport. The program provides excess insurance coverage for properly documented covered injuries that occur on or after Aug. 1, 2024. The program is available to all student-athletes at all institutions in all divisions. More information is available on the NCAA website: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2023/8/17/ncaa-post-eligibility-insurance-program.aspx

MEDICAL BILLS/EOBs
If a student athlete receives a bill, statement, EOB, or other information from an insurance company for an injury/illness that occurred as a direct result of participation in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Vermont, the student athlete must submit all correspondence to the UVM student health insurance coordinator in a timely manner. Bills not received in a timely manner may be the responsibility of the student athlete and/or the student athlete's parent/guardian. The UVM Department of Intercollegiate Athletics WILL NOT be responsible for any delays in payment, collections notices, credit reports, etc. that occur due to bills not being submitted in a timely manner. Submit all correspondence to:

Brayden McKenna 
Student Health Insurance Coordinator
Office: (802) 656-0602
Email: Brayden.McKenna@uvm.edu

 

PHYSICIAN REFERRALS/CONSULTATIONS
The University of Vermont Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Medicine Department have fostered positive relationships with many medical providers in the Burlington, Vermont area who have consistently provided high quality service to University of Vermont student athletes. University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel will refer student athletes to these providers unless extenuating circumstances necessitate a different provider.

All student-athletes must be seen and evaluated by a University of Vermont certified athletic trainer before a referral to a physician will be made. University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel must authorize and properly refer all student-athletes to see a physician or medical consultant, and/or for diagnostic tests. If a student athlete decides to see a physician/medical consultant, and/or undergo a diagnostic test WITHOUT prior consultation/referral from University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel, the student athlete and/or the student athlete's parent/ guardian will be financially responsible for any and all medical bills incurred.

ORTHOPEDIC AND/OR MEDICAL SECOND OPINIONS
If a student athlete and/or parent/guardian desire another physician's opinion on an orthopedic medical injury/ illness, a University of Vermont Team Physician and/or certified athletic trainer will make arrangements for the second opinion with a qualified local physician. If a student athlete decides to see an orthopedic and/or medical physician without prior consultation/referral from University of Vermont Athletic Medicine personnel, the student-athlete and/or the student athlete's parent/guardian will be financially responsible for any and all medical bills incurred.

Updated 9/26/2024

Athletic Medicine Visiting Team Information

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The University of Vermont Athletic Medicine staff would like to welcome you and your team to our campus!

Visiting Team Welcome Letter

 

This web page should serve as a reference to answer any questions or concerns you may have prior to your arrival. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our staff. We are at your service to provide the best possible medical care and treatment as needed for your student-athletes while visiting UVM.

Game Coverage
University of Vermont Athletic Trainers and Team Physicians will be available in accordance with NCAA, America East, Hockey East and EISA guidelines. Teams traveling with an athletic trainer are welcome to use our athletic training room equipment. Please contact us in advance with your specific needs.

If your team is traveling without the services of an athletic trainer, or if you have any special needs, please call us in advance to apprise us of the situation. Athletes requesting therapeutic modalities must present a letter from their certified athletic trainer or physician. Please provide tape and supplies for your athletes as needed.

Modalities Available (upon request): Whirlpools, Electric Stimulation, Ultrasound, Hydrocollator, Game Ready, Ice.

Athletic Training Facilities
Patrick Athletic Training Room - Phone: (802) 656-7750; Fax (802) 656-9578
Forbush Athletic Training Room - Phone: (802) 656-1236
Gutterson Athletic Training Room - Phone: (802) 656-9951

Physicians
Matthew Lunser D.O., Team Physician (Student Health Center) - Phone: (802) 656-3350
Nathan Endres M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon (UVM Medical Center) - Phone: (802) 847-2663

On Campus Medical Services / Emergency Care
University of Vermont Medical Center Emergency Room - Phone: (802) 847-2434; Website
UVM Campus Police Services - Phone: (802) 656-3473; Website
UVM Rescue 911

UVM Student Health/Medical Center - Phone: (802) 656-3350; Website: www.uvm.edu/health
*Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ; *24-hour on-call coverage - Phone: (802) 656-4446

Counseling Center - Phone: (802) 656-3340 (24-hour coverage)

Pharmacies
UHC Pharmacy - Phone: (802) 847-3784
CVS (1 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT) – Phone: (802) 651-1449

Urgent Care Centers 
Urgent Care Centers:
University of Vermont Medical Center Urgent Care Fanny Allen Campus (790 College Parkway, Colchester) – (802) 847-1170
 
Clear ChoiceMD Urgent Care (1200 Williston Road, Burlington) – Phone (802) 454-3016

UVM Athletics Equipment Room
Phone: (802) 656-7679

VISION: Providing a patient-centered, holistic approach to student-athlete wellbeing. We uphold the University of Vermont's Common Ground values with our approach and delivery of health care.

RESPECT

We respect co-workers and patients by listening and treating every person individually. The patient has a right to understand and influence their care within the bounds of the best available medical advice.

INTEGRITY

We believe that an evidence and fact-based approach to sports medicine guides best medical practice. We strive to provide the highest level of care to our patients. We believe that every student athlete should have a medical provider they can count on to be reliable, honest, & professional in action

INNOVATION

We embrace cutting-edge technology and new ideas to drive our practice forward. We believe that embracing change improves our quality of care and patient outcomes.

OPENNESS

We are collaborative in our approach to patient care, both internally and externally, in order of provide the best possible care to our patients. Our practitioners utilize a variety of specialized skills to provide a multimodal team-based approach to patient wellness.

JUSTICE

We reject racism and bigotry of all kinds. We unite against injustice to provide a welcoming environment for all members of our community. We believe that racism is a public health issue. Black Lives Matter.

RESPONSIBILITY

We are responsible for our outcomes as clinicians. We strive to instill responsibility in our patients to own their health care and encourage them to set goals and expectations that reflect their position in the wider UVM community.