The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Wednesday an exclusive partnership with Southwest Health’s Orthopedic Institute and the Pioneer Sport Medicine and Sport Performance departments.
Southwest Health’s Orthopedic Institute is the region’s most advanced bone, joint and sports medicine program and will serve all 16 UW-Platteville NCAA DIII sports and its 600-plus student-athletes.
“When we entered into our partnership with Southwest Health in 2020 as a preferred provider, CEO Dan Rohrbach and Pioneer Athletics shared a common vision for future growth,” said Dr. Kristina Navarro, assistant chancellor and director of Athletics and Recreation at UW-Platteville. “The timing is right to take the next step in this relationship. I am thrilled that we will be able to provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes in partnership with Southwest Health and the Orthopedic Institute. This relationship will continue to enhance our profile of competitive excellence via a best-in-class student-athlete patient care model.”
Rohrbach echoed Dr. Navarro’s thoughts and continued, “In addition to the athletic training services we provide in the area to seven different high schools, we have always valued our partnership with Pioneer Athletics. The talent of our Orthopedic team is unparalleled in communities of our size. Southwest Health’s Orthopedic Institute is led by a team of the area’s only all Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Physicians. We couldn’t be happier to now offer UW-Platteville student-athletes the same level of expertise that typically is only granted to large NCAA Division I programs.”
The partnership will include an infrastructure change to position the head athletic trainer as the primary liaison with Southwest Health’s Orthopedic Institute. This will include weekly logistical meetings, Southwest Health doctors as official sideline team doctors and streamlined referral process to better serve the student-athletes.
The Orthopedic Institute is the region’s premier orthopedic experts, having the latest techniques and equipment, including robotic-assisted joint replacement technology.
Dr. Joshua Lindsey has recently been joined by Dr. Alex Strassman, who like Dr. Lindsey, is sub-specialty fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Both serve as team physicians for the Pioneers, working hand in hand with the Pioneer Sports Medicine and Sports Performance staffs.
"I am excited for the opportunity to grow our relationship with the Platteville community through our commitment to taking care of UW-Platteville student-athletes. Through my fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine, I've gained valuable experience in catering care specific for student-athletes – whether on the sidelines or in the operating room. I look forward to helping UW-Platteville student-athletes recover from injuries and get back on the field!" said Strassman.
“Dr. Strassman is an excellent addition to round out our orthopedic team. His expertise as a sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon will allow for high level care of UW-Platteville student-athletes,” said Brad Vamstad, director of the Orthopedic Institute.
"This partnership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration within our community that we value and strive for," said UW-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich. "We are looking forward to growing our partnership with Southwest Health, while also providing the highest level of support to our student-athletes in order to ensure their overall well-being."