Concussion Headliners: Behind the Scenes with the Experts, Hosted by Steve Broglio: Recent Episodes
University of Michigan Concussion Center
Did you ever wonder how your favorite concussion researcher got interested in concussions? Or, what motivates them every day? Or, maybe even, what is their favorite podcast or current playlist? Join the U-M Concussion Center as we have informal conversations with world-renowned concussion researchers and friends of the center to help you get to know them a little better.
In this episode, we sit down with Czech-Swiss neurologist Dr. Jiří Dvořák, one of the world's foremost experts in sports medicine and spinal health. Born in a small village in Czechoslovakia, Jiří's path changed dramatically after the Soviet invasion in 1968, leading him to complete his medical studies in Switzerland. Over his 40-year career at the Spine Unit of the Schulthess Clinic in Zurich, he specialized in spinal disease prevention and sports medicine, eventually serving as FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer for two decades. We explore his experiences during the Velvet Revolution, his pioneering work with FIFA, the Ice Hockey Federation, and more.
In this episode of Concussion Headliners, Dr. Donna Broshek, a renowned neuropsychologist, shares her journey from aspiring engineer to leading expert in sports concussions and epilepsy. She discusses her clinical work at UVA, where she directs multiple neuropsychology and concussion programs, and her significant contributions to organizations like the Sports Neuropsychology Society and the NBA Concussion Committee. Dr. Broshek also reflects on her experiences with leadership and mentorship in the field, as well as her personal connection to brain health, stemming from her father's battle with brain cancer.
Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Mark Lovell, a Grand Rapids native whose pioneering work in concussion management has transformed the field. From his early days as a music major at Northern Michigan University to developing the ImPACT test, Lovell's impact is profound. Discover his career highlights, from working with the Pittsburgh Steelers to leading ImPACT Applications, and hear about his lifelong passion for music. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the foremost concussion experts in the world.
Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Michael Collins, from his small-town upbringing in Maine to his influential role as the Clinical and Executive Director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Learn how his dedication to neuropsychology and the creation of ImPACT transformed baseline testing and concussion management. Tune in to hear about his inspiring career path, from Michigan State University to UPMC, and the groundbreaking advancements in brain health he has spearheaded.
This week, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Gavin Davis, from his life in Australia to becoming a global leader in neurosurgery. Discover his international training experiences and what inspired his career choice. Tune in to hear about his remarkable resilience, dedication, and the passion driving his success.
Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with David Maddocks, an experienced medical lawyer with a unique background in neuroscience. Discover how these two fields intertwine in his groundbreaking work. David shares intriguing insights from his career, including high-profile cases, his career journey, and more. Don't miss this episode packed with compelling stories and expert analysis!
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Grant Iverson, a neuropsychology specialist and clinician scientist in mild TBI and mental health, on this week's Concussion Headliners episode. Dr. Iverson shares his unique journey from growing up on a 35-acre farm in Northern Iowa, where his family had up to 40 horses at their peak! He takes us through his educational journey, from exploring various majors at the University of Northern Iowa to earning his Master's and PhD in clinical psychology at West Virginia University. Dr. Iverson's invaluable insights and experiences, including how he became invested in sport concussion, are all packed into this fantastic episode. Listen now!
On this week's episode of the Concussion Headliners Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kathryn Schneider, Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist (Physiotherapist) at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary.
In this episode, Kathryn shared the journey of her family's travels that ultimately led her to Calgary, discussed her diverse background in multiple sports, and provided valuable insights on possible improvements in concussion care. Listen now!
Tune in as we speak with Dr. Robert Cantu, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research at the Cantu Concussion Center at Emerson Hospital. A California native, Dr. Cantu shares his love for jazz music and baseball, along with his journey into concussion care.
Join us this week as we speak with a true pioneer in the field of neurosurgery and concussion research, Dr. Joe Maroon. Not only a board-certified clinical professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center but also a co-developer of the ImPACT computer test for concussion. Joe spent over forty years as the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and believes that adversity is one of the greatest teachers. He talks about growing up in Bridgeport, Ohio, and shares stories of his past in this entertaining and inspiring episode.
"I want to die young as late as possible", says Maroon
It’s National Athletic Training Month and we caught up with John Ciecko III, MBA, ATC, President of the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) and Health and Well-being Specialist with Personify Health. John shares stories of his family history and provides some valuable tips for clinicians on working with patients effectively. A Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and believer in self-care, John lives by the quote “Nobody cares, work harder”.
We’re talking with Nichole Shotwell, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan on this week’s Concussion Headliner’s Podcast. From her unexpected academic journey at the University of Michigan to her love for The Big Bang Theory and Barenaked Ladies, Nichole's story is musically interesting and diverse. Raised in Metro Detroit, she reflects on meeting her husband online and shares insights into running the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. Join us for a pleasant conversation that brings together passion, laughter, and vanilla ice cream.
Join us today as we speak with Dr. Julian Bailes, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the North Shore University Health System and Co-Director of the North Shore Neurological Institute in Chicago, IL. With a successful career spanning three decades, Dr. Bailes brings extensive experience as a sideline physician for both NFL and NCAA teams.
Born and raised in Louisiana and a graduate of LSU Medical School, Dr. Bailes shares insights into his journey, being the sole representative in the medical field among his siblings, attributing his career path to a passion for science at an early age. He discusses the evolving landscape of neurosurgery, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on advancements in the field, and notes a future characterized by smaller, faster, and more technologically driven procedures. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Bailes emphasizes lifelong learning and shares the importance of finding your passion and giving it your all.
Join us as we chat with Jared Odrick, a former defensive end in the NFL who grew up in Lebanon, PA. Jared was a standout athlete in college at Penn State before he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2010. Beyond football, he also made appearances on the popular TV series Ballers, and more recently showcased his acting in the 2022 action/fantasy film, Samaritan.
In recent years, Odrick has found solace in racing cars, particularly Porches and Miatas, as a means to escape what he referred to as being identified as "the CTE guy", and to explore new passions. With a background as a multisport athlete, Odrick emphasizes the importance of diversifying sports interests at a young age to find one's true calling. He walks us through the transition from college to professional football, highlighting the shift from pure enjoyment to a more job-oriented mindset in the world of professional sports.
Meet Jeff Miller, a seasoned executive who has been an integral part of the NFL since 2008 and currently serves as the executive VP of communications, public affairs and policy, as well as overseeing health and safety initiatives.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago Law School, this Bayside, Wisconsinite roots for all NFL teams. Miller, a self-proclaimed mediocre college tennis player, developed a passion for presidential politics in high school, influencing his decision to attend law school and later, spend a decade on Capitol Hill. In 2016, he was the first league official to publicly connect football and CTE during congressional testimony, showcasing his commitment to addressing crucial health issues in the sport.
Join us this week for a conversation with Dr. Willie Stewart, a distinguished consultant neuropathologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and an honorary professor in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience. An international guest on our show, Dr. Stewart takes us on a journey through his life, sharing personal anecdotes from his upbringing on the outskirts of Glasgow.
With a candid reflection on his childhood, he discusses finding his passion for sports and opens up about challenges, including the emotional hurdle of losing his father just months before completing his undergraduate studies. A cycling enthusiast with two daughters also on their own journeys into the medical field, Dr. Stewart shares his aspirations for the next 5-10 years and belives in taking action over waiting.
We’re kicking off 2024 with a brand new podcast episode featuring Kyla Zalapski, founder of Ground Zero Basics Inc. and owner of Fitness Evolution. Does the name sound familiar? Kyla is the younger sister of the late Zarley Zalapski, a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman from 1987 to 2010 who played on the Canadian national team and was drafted later by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kyla takes us back in time to growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and following along as a supporter of her brother up through the ranks to the NHL and into retirement. She speaks about the hardships that professional athletes face and how that drove her to pursue focusing on preparing athletes for what comes after the sport. A fitness fanatic who loves steak and seafood, Kyla believes fulfillment is a key to life and she lays it all out for us.
This week we’re connecting with Dean Lori Ploutz-Snyder at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Before diving into her leadership at U-M, she was a lead scientist for the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures project at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, helping develop exercise protocols to maintain astronaut health. A former competitive swimmer who prefers oranges over apples, Dean Ploutz-Snyder shares her favorite and least favorite responsibilities as a leader at Michigan, and the fateful sailboat trip where she first met her husband.
Meet Dr. Margot Putukian, Chief Medical Officer at Major League Soccer. Hailing from a pint-sized town outside of Boston, Dr. Putukian's upbringing was a blend of sports and music. Juggling sports like soccer, tennis, basketball, and softball, she had a game plan for every season. With a Biology degree from Yale and a knack for finding purpose early in her career through patient care, Dr. Putukian champions the importance of belonging and access to sports for all. When not strategizing medical plays for the league, she enjoys a rare filet, cuddles with her dog, and believes there's nothing quite like the sound of the ocean.
You’re invited to this week’s conversation with Dr. Michael Turner, Medical Director and CEO of The International Concussion and Head Injury Research Foundation (ICHIRF). From growing up in Hong Kong to moving all over the world, Dr. Turner shares his experience from a young age at boarding school to serving as a physician at the Olympics. Listeners will get a mixture of career insight for the younger generation entering the medical field and a bit of humor from across the pond. Tune in today!
Join us this week for a captivating conversation with Dr. John Leddy, Director of the Concussion Management Clinic at the University at Buffalo. A native New Yorker and eldest of five siblings, Dr. Leddy speaks to the importance of learning from failure and having good mentors along the way. Whether you're a fan of The Simpsons or enjoy a good dessert, this week's podcast will leave you with some great advice and insights.
Join us this week as we speak with internationally renowned neuropsychologist, Dr. Ruben Echemendia. Moving to Miami from Cuba at 4 years old, Dr. Echemendia talks about working for his father’s dental practice, landing in a Long Island, NY kitchen as a dishwasher, and ultimately finding his passion in psychology while away at college. A licensed pilot with an appreciation for fine wine, Dr. Echemendia shares insights on research and baking in this week's podcast.
Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Dr. Stan Herring brings close to 40 years of experience in sports medicine. Dr. Herring walks us through his successful career as a team doctor with the Seattle Seahawks, treating thousands of injuries and walking away with a Super Bowl victory in the process. A family man with a love for enchiladas and chocolate cake, he talks about the importance of commitment and shows his support for bringing concussion awareness closer to the public eye through the lens of the athletic community.
Join us this week as we chat with Brooke Mills, Founder of National Concussion Awareness Day and Miss New Hampshire 2023. From sustaining a life-altering concussion at age fourteen to her journey toward a Miss America title, Mills talks about staying positive and pushing yourself. A self-proclaimed “people pleaser”, Mills explains why she became a chiropractor and how she promotes overall health through her organizations.
We’re heading overseas this time with Jon Patricios, Professor of Sport and Exercise Medicine. A third-generation South African from Johannesburg, Jon talks about his commitment to excel as a leader. From his first date 24 years ago with his now wife, to raising three successful children, we’ll get a sneak peek inside the family life of one of the big brains in concussion research. Along the way, we’ll learn a bit of South African history and about Jon’s weak spot for actor, Jack Nicholson. Tune in for this and more at this week’s Concussion Headliner’s Podcast.
Join us as we journey back in time with Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics at the University of Michigan. From growing up in New Orleans and learning to clean and cook crawfish, to becoming part of the Michigan community as an athlete and a student, we’ll take a deep dive into his successful career and learn about his motivation to keep striving for more.
Whether you have a passion for cooking or appreciate popular games like Wordle, Warde lets us into his life as a family man and a professional.
Join us for a unique and exciting journey into the world of sports, concussion talk, and pizza as we hear from Jay “The Beav” Flannelly, Co-owner at Beavsworld.com, and a 1999 U-M Kinesiology alum. Coming to Michigan back in the mid-’90s, Jay was focused on supporting U-M athletics during what many consider the “golden era” for Michigan football. From working with some of the top talent in the country like Tom Brady, to dealing with his own sports-related injuries, Jay shares the details of his journey and finally settles the score on whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
Starting out as an adult psychotherapist, how did his professional journey take a turn into pediatrics TBI and sports-related concussion? What makes his career as a clinician and researcher rewarding? Tune in today and gain a deeper understanding of his incredible academic journey. As a confessed chocoholic with a taste for Tim Horton's double chocolate donut, Dr. Yeates is proof that intellectual rigor and a sweet tooth aren't mutually exclusive.
Growing up with 17 cousins and many neighborhood children, Dr. Meehan's childhood was filled with cherished moments. Known as the "bad boy" in his high school days, Bill's passion lay in the realm of theater and sports. But what changed? What inspired him to pursue a medical degree at Harvard Medical School and embark on a professional journey in sports medicine? Make sure you catch this episode, especially if you share fond memories of playing "ghost in the graveyard" as a child, and have a love for outdoor adventures like Dr. Meehan!
To commemorate Memorial Day, we are featuring Dr. Darren Campbell, current head team physician at BYU. Dr. Campbell has a rich background in military service, having spent numerous years caring for members of the armed forces before returning to his alma mater. In this episode, he shared his childhood memory of growing up in Utah with 6 siblings, and his first job working in a construction company carrying bricks and mud. He also spoke about his experience in various international locations, including Taiwan, Korea, Hawaii, and Afghanistan. As we observe Memorial Day in various ways, tune in to hear how Dr. Campbell's military days instilled in him values of respect, love, and camaraderie, which continue to shape his character to this day.
Mr. Jarrett Irons is U-M's former football co-captain in 1995 and 1996. In this episode, Jarrett shared his favorite childhood memories growing up in Texas, his personal journey navigating a collegiate and professional athletic career, and "a life after football."
Dr. Christina Master is a sports medicine physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), specializing in brain injury care for pediatric and adolescent patients. In this episode, Dr. Master shared her fond childhood memories of attending sports events with her dad, working in a library as a first job, her college days in Princeton, and how she decided to pursue a career in sports medicine caring for pediatric patients.
In episode five of "Concussion Headliners: Behind the Scenes with the Experts," center Director Dr. Steve Broglio sits down with Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Guskiewicz shares life stories about growing up in Latrobe, PA, and how they helped shape who he is today. He also discusses his thoughts on servant-leadership, what he would accomplish with unlimited funding, and his dream of one day owning a Dairy Queen.
Dr. Guskiewicz is a Kenan Distinguished Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and the co-director of Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center. He is the principal investigator or co-principal investigator on three active research grants totaling over $20 million. A nationally recognized expert on sport-related concussions, he has advised the NCAA and NFL on their concussion guidelines. Additionally, his work has won numerous awards, including receiving the MacArthur Fellowship in 2011 and being named one of Time magazine's Game Changers in 2013.
Johna Register-Mihalik, PhD, LAT, ATC, FACSM, FNATA is an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina. She is the co-director of the STAR Heel Performance Laboratory. She is a founding and core faculty of the Matthew Gfeller Center. She also serves as core Faculty with the Injury Prevention Research Center and as the Traumatic Division Director for the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Alabama and her master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral work training at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Dr. Register-Mihalik’s research interests include the negative consequences, prevention, education, and clinical management of sport and recreational traumatic brain injury. Her primary work centers on novel behavioral and clinical interventions to improve the prevention and care for concussion across the lifespan. She has received several research grants to pursue this line of work. Her work has been published in various sports medicine and brain injury journals. Dr. Register-Mihalik is also an active member of many professional organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, NATA, and the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM.
Dr. Michael McCrea is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. He is currently The Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, Chair in Neurosurgery; Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurology; Vice Chair of Research; Co-director of the Center for Neurotrauma Research; and Director of Brain Injury Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. McCrea earned his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then completed his internship training in neuropsychology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Medical School.
He is a past President of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN). Dr. McCrea has been an active researcher in the neurosciences, with numerous scientific publications, book chapters, and national and international lectures on the topic of traumatic brain injury. He authored the text Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Postconcussion Syndrome: The New Evidence Base for Diagnosis and Treatment published by Oxford University Press. He is a member of the United States Department of Defense Health Board External Advisory Committee on Traumatic Brain Injury advising the Office of the Secretary of Defense on management and research of military-related traumatic brain injury.
Episode Chapters
0:00: Introduction
1:40: Childhood
7:45: Education
14:43: Family
18:42: Influential People and Inner Circle
22:58: Biggest Challenge
24:34: Get-to-Know You Q&A
Center Director Steve Broglio gets to know COL Sidney Hinds II, a recently retired United States Army Medical Corps Officer.
*Note that at the time of publication, Dr. Hinds has retired from the Wounded Warrior Project.*
In our inaugural episode, Dr. Steven Broglio sits down (virtually) for a get-to-know-you chat with Dr. Robert Stern from Boston University.