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Dr. McLeod Brings Sporting View of Concussion to the Brain Injury Alliance

Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, has just been named as a Board Member of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona. As one of the world’s leading experts on concussion and sports medicine, it is a given that she lives for sports.

“Sitting around can lead to depression; I tell athletes that even if they can’t participate in their sports, they can walk around at practice and talk to the athletic trainer and coaches.”

Dr. Tamara McLeod

Dr. McLeod Brings Sporting View of Concussion to the Brain Injury Alliance

Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, has just been named as a Board Member of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona. As one of the world’s leading experts on concussion and sports medicine, it is a given that she lives for sports.

“Sitting around can lead to depression; I tell athletes that even if they can’t participate in their sports, they can walk around at practice and talk to the athletic trainer and coaches.”

Dr. Tamara McLeod

Growing up in southern Ontario (Canada), she and her three younger brothers played sports non-stop—her favorites were soccer, softball, swimming, and running. Her dad was a schoolteacher who was a volunteer coach for her teams; her mom was an intensive care nurse.

It’s no surprise, then, that Tamara has always been interested in health care and medicine, if not med school, like her mother wanted. When her high school counselor suggested Sports Medicine, Tamara felt it was the best of all worlds, and enrolled in Mercyhurst College, where she earned her B.S. and board certification in athletic training.

Undoubtedly in her element, she proceeded to the University of Colorado, getting her M.S. in Kinesiology (with an emphasis on research). Following a year-long fellowship at the New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, she became busy with clinical rotations in the morning and athletic training in the afternoon.

Feeling the pull to do research, she worked alongside associates exploring concussions at the University of Virginia, where she earned her PhD in education with an emphasis in Sports Medicine. Her dissertation focused on the evaluation of concussion tools for pediatric athletes. “We were able to transfer collegiate level insights and training to the high school,” she recalls. “It was the early 2000s and we were just starting preseason baseline testing.”

In July 2002, Dr. McLeod landed at A.T. Still University, where she is currently the Athletic Training Programs Director, Professor of Athletic Training, Research Professor in the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and the John P. Wood, D.O. Endowed Chair for Sports Medicine.

As a United States Brain Injury Alliance (USBIA) Board Member since 2005, she has always searched for ways to improve concussion treatment. Today, Dr. McLeod is excited about three trends in particular:

  • The increased awareness of concussions on all levels—from youth to professional. “We need to treater younger athletes just like the pros.”
  • An influx of technology, including computerized assessments tools, e.g., balance and cognitive tests. “These can be especially helpful for health care providers.”
  • The shift in mindset. “We now understand that telling athletes to rest after a concussion until things get better is not as beneficial as being more proactive with active rehab techniques.”

These techniques include common sense. “We need to get patients moving,” explains Dr. McLeod. “Active aerobic protocols are key. Instead of resting, take a walk for 15 minutes or ride a bike,” she advises. Additionally, she says many professionals have lists of “don’ts” for young athletes, but they’re not effective unless they have replacements.

“Sitting around can lead to depression; I tell athletes that even if they can’t participate in their sports, they can walk around at practice and talk to the athletic trainer and coaches,” she emphasizes.

Another treatment she recommends is rehabilitation, including vestibular and ocular therapies with physical and occupational therapists, as well as cognitive support from neuropsychologists. “We must realize the availability of targeted therapies. One size does not fit all.”

Because concussion is currently a hot topic, people are continually trying to create the best technology to address it, like apps. Although Dr. McLeod encourages this trend, she cautions, “We must make sure these devices are reliable before they become widespread.”

Concussion management itself has also changed due to the pandemic. With the geometric growth of telehealth, people in rural areas now have more access to treatment. “Naturally, there are restrictions, as initial visits should be in person to better assess everyone’s individual situation,” reasons Dr. McLeod, “but overall, telehealth goes a long way to bridging inequities.”

Moving forward, Dr. McLeod urges an interdisciplinary approach to treating concussions with a team comprised of a physician, athletic trainer, school nurse, parents, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and neuropsychologist. “They all know how to contribute,” she says, “but most importantly, patients or their advocates shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. They access available support systems to help navigate their new world.”

She cites the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona as being crucial to providing these connections to beneficial resources and information on many levels, including:

  • Referrals to concussion-specific specialists
  • Furthering education among professionals and brain injury survivors
  • Outreach to the community

 “Basically, organizations like the Alliance ensure that [survivors and families] get to the right person,” affirms Dr. McLeod.

Carrie Collins-Fadell, CEO of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, is proud of her affiliation with Dr. McLeod. “We have worked together for many years now, and the thing that impresses me most is her commitment to research and training the trainers,” Carrie says. “These ongoing findings benefit all involved. As a Board Member, Dr. McLeod will be an integral part of many upcoming conferences, seminars, and programs.”

Indeed, Dr. McLeod continues to investigate the short-and long-term effects of pediatric sports concussions, as well as post-injury recovery, and quality of life. She is also committed to the improvement of assessment tools and increased awareness within the general population.

When not knee-deep in research, this lifelong athlete enjoys running marathons. “Running for long distances is fun and helps preserve my sanity.”

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

  • Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
  • Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
  • Hosts Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Workgroup
  • Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
  • Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
  • Manages statewide Neuro Info-Line: 888-500-9165

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