Setting the Standard for Backstretch Health
In its first year of existence the new MTHA health program has provided a level of health care unprecedented on a race track backside. The program, at its inception, aimed to provide essential health services for horsemen and backstretch workers. Needless to say, it has hit its mark. Even more, new services have been implemented throughout the year resulting in a comprehensive health system that goes above and beyond simply caring for injuries and illness.
The new health system, a cooperative effort between the MTHA and the Maryland Jockey Club, employs a team of on-site doctors from the renowned Medstar Sports Medicine program, along with a group of MTHA administrators who, for years, have work tirelessly to provide health services for horsemen and backstretch workers.
Dr. Kelly Ryan is one of the physicians from the Medstar team and has nothing but praise for the program in its first year. “Other racetracks are looking at our system as a model for their own [new health initiatives].”
The upcoming health fair in October is a perfect illustration of the range of services offered by the Medstar team. Horsemen will get the opportunity to have bloodwork done, receive a blood pressure screening, and learn about the sometimes complicated health insurance system. Most of the services will be offered free of charge. Physicians will be available to talk with patients about routine screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms, and horsemen can get a flu vaccine too.
“One of the goals [of the new health system] is to get more information on all employees, [in order] to provide appropriate details on specific treatments,” said Dr. Ryan. Having a health fair facilitates the gathering of this information and as such all horsemen are encouraged to attend.
Having an experienced sports medicine team like the one from Medstar affords horsemen the opportunity to receive the same high level care provided to many of the professional sports teams in our area. Medstar physicians have developed relationships with top surgeons and specialists in the area and horsemen have access to those doctors should they need specialized care.
All the Medstar physicians have extensive experience in dealing with concussions which can result from a jockey or exercise rider being thrown from their mount. The on-site doctors are there to evaluate riders after a spill, to look for signs of a concussion, and implement a protocol for returning to work.
The biggest advantage to having on-site physicians is that they can identify and concentrate on issues and problems that may be less acute and severe but just as important to the overall health. Much of their role is to not only provide care for the injured or ill, but to develop relationships with horsemen and educate them on topics related to health. This allows physicians to provide the best care possible, especially for those suffering from chronic issues like diabetes and asthma which require continual monitoring and management.
As horsemen have become more aware of the new program throughout the year they have increasingly been coming to the Medstar team to get advice on nutrition, weight loss, and other topics important to good health. Many backstretch workers, having done physically demanding work for years and as a result suffer from chronic pain and other orthopedic issues. The Medstar team has seen more and more of these employees as well, seeking treatment for previously untreated problems and finding relief. Furthermore, because physicians are located at the track where many horsemen work and live, they can receive care without having to take off work.
One of the ways the MTHA Health Program has expanded is through its implementation of a counseling program which, among other services, offers regular Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. Headed up by Jessica Hammond, the mental health program offers relief to horsemen suffering from stress, grief, drug and alcohol addiction, marital problems, and financial issues. These often times hidden afflictions can take a toll on an individual and even lead to more serious physical problems.
A vital piece to the MTHA’s health system is MTHA’s Racetrack Representative Diana Pinones. Not only does she serve as a translator for the Medstar team, communicating with horsemen more comfortable and familiar with Spanish, but she also helps those horsemen to navigate the health insurance landscape.
Mrs. Pinones like Dr. Ryan also points to the gathering of health information of individuals as a crucial factor in providing care. “Before Medstar, [we] never had any medical records [of horsemen]. Now we have robust records for trainers, jockeys, and other employees so we can function as a full service physician’s office at the racetrack.”
With this information Pinones is able to provide horsemen with much more than just translation. She helps horsemen sign up for Medicaid, Medicare, or health insurance through the state insurance marketplace. This has allowed many backstretch employees to get health insurance coverage for the first time. Pinones is also available to set up appointments for horsemen if they need to see a specialist outside the Medstar team and the new MTHA Express Shuttle service can be utilized for transportion.
These are often the biggest obstacles to health care for backstretch employees and Mrs. Pinones has been bridging that gap for years, and now, with the Medstar team in place, she can accomplish even more.
