Concussion Headliners: Behind the Scenes with the Experts, Hosted by Steve Broglio

Dr. Jeff Barth, the creator of sport concussion research, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking work that has reshaped athlete safety worldwide. From his roots in New Jersey playing basketball and lacrosse to founding the UVA Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute, Dr. Barth shares his journey, his impact on professional sports, and his vision for the future of neuropsychology.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring path of Dr. Geoff Manley—Chief of Neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF. Dr. Manley shares how growing up in Kentucky with a love for fixing things shaped his unique journey into medicine. Dr. Manley’s work spans groundbreaking TBI research, including the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) and TBI Endpoints Development (TED) Initiative projects. From lab research to clinical innovations, his work is advancing how we diagnose, treat, and understand brain injuries.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carolyn Emery, a leading expert in injury prevention in youth sports and concussion research. Growing up in Ottawa, Dr. Emery's love for sports ranging from alpine ski racing to water polo fueled her career in physiotherapy, which later sparked her transition into injury epidemiology. Hear how her journey from clinical training at Queen's University to a professorship at the University of Calgary has shaped her groundbreaking research, leading initiatives like Surveillance in High Schools to Reduce the Risk of Concussions and their Consequences(SHRed) Concussions and SHRed Injuries to reduce the public health impact of sport-related injuries.

In this episode, we sit down with Czech-Swiss neurologist Dr. Jiří Dvořák, one of the world's foremost experts in sports medicine and spinal health. Born in a small village in Czechoslovakia,  Jiří's path changed dramatically after the Soviet invasion in 1968, leading him to complete his medical studies in Switzerland. Over his 40-year career at the Spine Unit of the Schulthess Clinic in Zurich, he specialized in spinal disease prevention and sports medicine, eventually serving as FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer for two decades. We explore his experiences during the Velvet Revolution, his pioneering work with FIFA, the Ice Hockey Federation, and more.

In this episode of Concussion Headliners, Dr. Donna Broshek, a renowned neuropsychologist, shares her journey from aspiring engineer to leading expert in sports concussions and epilepsy. She discusses her clinical work at UVA, where she directs multiple neuropsychology and concussion programs, and her significant contributions to organizations like the Sports Neuropsychology Society and the NBA Concussion Committee. Dr. Broshek also reflects on her experiences with leadership and mentorship in the field, as well as her personal connection to brain health, stemming from her father's battle with brain cancer.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Mark Lovell, a Grand Rapids native whose pioneering work in concussion management has transformed the field. From his early days as a music major at Northern Michigan University to developing the ImPACT test, Lovell's impact is profound. Discover his career highlights, from working with the Pittsburgh Steelers to leading ImPACT Applications, and hear about his lifelong passion for music. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the foremost concussion experts in the world.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Michael Collins, from his small-town upbringing in Maine to his influential role as the Clinical and Executive Director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Learn how his dedication to neuropsychology and the creation of ImPACT transformed baseline testing and concussion management. Tune in to hear about his inspiring career path, from Michigan State University to UPMC, and the groundbreaking advancements in brain health he has spearheaded.

This week, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Gavin Davis, from his life in Australia to becoming a global leader in neurosurgery. Discover his international training experiences and what inspired his career choice. Tune in to hear about his remarkable resilience, dedication, and the passion driving his success. 

Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with David Maddocks, an experienced medical lawyer with a unique background in neuroscience. Discover how these two fields intertwine in his groundbreaking work. David shares intriguing insights from his career, including high-profile cases, his career journey, and more. Don't miss this episode packed with compelling stories and expert analysis!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Grant Iverson, a neuropsychology specialist and clinician scientist in mild TBI and mental health, on this week's Concussion Headliners episode. Dr. Iverson shares his unique journey from growing up on a 35-acre farm in Northern Iowa, where his family had up to 40 horses at their peak! He takes us through his educational journey, from exploring various majors at the University of Northern Iowa to earning his Master's and PhD in clinical psychology at West Virginia University. Dr. Iverson's invaluable insights and experiences, including how he became invested in sport concussion, are all packed into this fantastic episode. Listen now!