Nationally-known concussion expert educates sports medicine staff at two-day workshop

Athletic trainers and physical therapists from Heartland Orthopedic Specialists and Alomere Health Rehabilitation Services recently underwent additional training on advanced concussion treatment. Jon Almquist, A.T.C., V.A.T.L., I.T.A.T., concussion specialist at Fairfax Family Practice Comprehensive Concussion Center in Vienna, Virginia, presented the most relevant and up-to-date information on concussion treatment and care to the staff of both clinics.

Topics covered at this workshop included: concussion clinical interview and assessment; sideline assessment; vestibular and ocular motor screening (VOMS) assessment; the role of medication in concussion management; administration and interpretation of the ImPACT concussion software; and more. Upon completion of this workshop, sports medicine staffs across a variety of departments within the Heartland Orthopedic Specialists and Alomere Health organizations are able to advance the care and treatment of concussions for the individuals and communities they are serving.

Prior to his role as a concussion specialist, Almquist was the athletic training program administrator at Fairfax County Public Schools for 31 years, where he provided administrative oversight to a staff of over 50 certified athletic trainers (ATCs), who collectively provided comprehensive athletic healthcare for over 25,000 student athletes annually. Additionally, Almquist has been consistently involved with concussion management research projects since 1998.

“Concussions are very serious and do not just affect athletes in their sport—it carries over to the classroom and their social life,” says Michael Doyle, M.B.A., A.T.C., administrative director for Heartland Orthopedic Specialists. “We continually review best practices, current research and evidence to ensure that our patients and the athletes at the schools we cover are provided the most current information and care that is available.”

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