Sports Medicine Center's "$$$ for Physicals" Program Raises Thousands For Local High Schools

In late May and early June of this year, as we’ve done for the last 12 years, our Sports Medicine Center (SMC) physicians, physical therapists and Associates spent several evenings providing student-athletes with California Interscholastic Federation- (CIF) required Pre-Participation Examination (PPE) sports physicals. This year, Bonita, Charter Oak, Claremont, Damien and San Dimas high schools participated in the PPE program. Each school set the cost of their athlete’s physicals and 100 percent of the dollars collected were then donated back to the school’s athletics programs and athletic training rooms.

In 2018, a total of 556 physicals were performed, raising $13,290 for the five schools. Throughout the past 12 years, the “$$$ for Physicals” program has provided nearly 6,500 high school athletes with their physicals while helping raise almost $155,000!

The physicals are performed by the SMC physicians who, In addition to volunteering their time for these physicals, work closely with each school's coaching staff and athletic trainer to provide complementary medical coverage on the sidelines during the football season.

“PVHMC has offered sports physicals to local high school athletes since the Sports Medicine Center opened in 1983," says Rick Rossman, PT and Administrative Director of the Sports Medicine Center. "In 2006, we were proud to initiate the “$$$ for Physicals” fundraising efforts at high schools where our SMC provides Team Doctors."

During recent pre-game ceremonies held at each school, the SMC team physician and members of the SMC presented the fundraising check on behalf of PVHMC to each high school’s Administration, Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer.

In a special ceremony held on September 14, 2018, PVHMC was honored as an Outstanding Supporter of the San Dimas High School Athletic Program! Rick Rossman, along with San Dimas High School Team Physician, Dr. Victor Alvarez, and SMC Medical Director, Dr. Hanh Larson, accepted the award on behalf of PVHMC.

“For the last 12 years, the PVHMC Sports Medicine Center has provided athletic physicals and fundraising opportunities to the tune of nearly $3000 a year to our football program," says Rita Kear, Assistant Principal at San Dimas High School. " In addition, their Sports Medicine Clinic provides rehabilitation assistance to athletes who need care for their sports injuries throughout the year. They also provide us a sideline doctor to assist our trainer in caring for the athletes. San Dimas High School is so appreciative of the SMC’s support over the years! Thanks for all you do for the Saints!”

"This hospital's ongoing support of the volunteer efforts of our SMC doctors, the Family Medicine Residency Program physicians and the Associates of the Rehabilitation Services Department has allowed these yearly donations to continue," adds Rick Rossman. “This is just one of the many ways we continually give back to our community.”

To learn more about the Sports Medicine Center at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, please click here.