Centura Health-Mercy Regional Medical Center Announces Fort Lewis College Partnership

November 15, 2019

(DURANGO, COLO.) Centura Health-Mercy Regional Medical Center and Fort Lewis College (FLC) are excited to announce Mercy Sports Medicine as the official sports medicine provider of Fort Lewis College Athletics.

This partnership provides FLC Athletics with the gold standard of care by transitioning to a medical-model of care providing student-athletes direct access to comprehensive, integrated care that follows best practices and focuses on the whole person. Through the agreement Mercy will provide medical oversight lead by fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Matthew Smith, M.D., Mercy Orthopedic Associates, of the entire FLC medical staff ensuring that all health care providers who come in contact with student-athletes are first trained, educated and evaluated.

The partnership is a collaboration of two legacy organizations in the Four Corners region and the finest experts in their fields. This new partnership will build upon a 16-year relationship between Mercy Orthopedics Associates and FLC Athletics. As the official sports medicine provider, Mercy will provide student athletes with access to orthopedics, primary care, physical therapy, athletic training and sports nutrition. Student-athletes will also be connected to Mercy’s spine and orthopedics programs and the only comprehensive concussion center in the Four Corners headed by Luke Angel, DPT, ATC.

As the largest health care system in Colorado, Utah and western Kansas, Centura Health delivers more than the highest quality services, we combine compassionate care with individualized treatment that will benefit Fort Lewis students, alumni and the community.

“The exclusive sports medicine partnership with Mercy Regional Medical Center allows us to remain progressive in the sports medicine landscape by utilizing professionals who are the absolute best in the health care business,” explained Brandon Leimbach, Director of Athletics, Fort Lewis College. “It is our utmost priority to improve the whole person care of our student-athletes and Mercy’s dedicated staff will allow us to keep student-athlete welfare at the forefront of everything we do.”

“We anticipate increased retention rates with our athletic training staff due to the Mercy brand and look forward to sharing the story with our student-athletes and recruits that we have partnered with the leader in sports medicine throughout Southwest Colorado,” Brandon added.

This exclusive partnership includes services from Mercy athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and sports nutritionist for FLC student-athletes, and is a leading example of Mercy nurturing the health of the communities we serve. In addition to FLC Athletics, Mercy Sports Medicine athletic trainers support more than 14 area schools including Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Cortez, Farmington, Mancos, Dolores, Telluride and Dove Creek.

“This relationship with Fort Lewis College helps ensure the outstanding care offered by Mercy benefits our local student-athletes,” said Will McConnell, CEO, Mercy Regional Medical Center. “Regardless whether you are a student-athlete, adult-athlete, or someone who wants to recreate on the weekends, Mercy is here for you. It is our mission to keep you healthy so you can continue to enjoy this amazing place we call home.”

Skyhawk fall sports programs are well underway and winter sports are beginning to ramp up. Visit Fort Lewis College Athletics for a complete schedule of events. Then visit Centura Health-Mercy Regional Medical Center to locate a health provider for every stage of life and learn about the award-winning health care services provided across Colorado, Utah and western Kansas.

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About Centura Health
Centura Health connects individuals, families and neighborhoods across Colorado, Utah and western Kansas with more than 6,000 physicians and 21,000 of the best hearts and minds in health care. Through our 17 hospitals, two senior living communities, health neighborhoods, physician practices and clinics, home care and hospice services, and Flight For Life® Colorado, we are making the region’s best health care accessible and affordable in every community we serve. We believe you can inspire the people you care about to live healthier lives by encouraging them to do the little things that can make a big difference. We’re Centura Health, and we’re here for your health. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit Centura Health website.

Media Contact
Sarah Silvernail
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