TimeOut With The SportsDr. Podcast

College athletes have a lot to manage, from injuries and recovery to schoolwork and the pressure to perform. But getting the care they need is not always easy. Some schools have more medical resources than others, and when athletes transfer, keeping their medical care consistent can become even more challenging.

Taking care of athletes means looking beyond what happens on the field. They need access to reliable medical guidance, support for their mental health, proper nutrition, and time to recover. When athletes have the right information and people to turn to, they can make better decisions about their health and focus on performing at their best.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess introduces Athlete Connect, a platform designed to help address gaps in care for college athletes. He shares what he has seen while working with athletes and explains how the platform will bring together resources for mental health, nutrition, recovery, and performance. He also discusses how better communication and access to guidance can help athletes get the support they need, wherever their athletic careers take them.

"I feel that we can improve our communication across the board, which will allow athletes to make better informed decisions and be able to provide better care for themselves."— Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Athlete Connect

00:01:12 – The Importance of Athlete Healthcare

00:02:39 – Gaps in College Sports Medicine Coverage

00:04:02 – Introducing Athlete Connect

00:04:31 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.

00:06:27 – Improving Communication Across Athlete Care Teams

00:07:14 – The Four Pillars of Athlete Wellness

00:09:01 – Building a Personalized Athlete Care Journey

00:09:55 – Becoming 1% Better Every Day

Key Takeaways:

"The game is the same. You put on pads, it's a collision sport, so injuries occur. Many athletes go untreated or are on their own to try to seek out medical care. Is that the right way to provide care for them? I feel we can do better."

"Many times trying to hide some of these new injuries and just kind of suffering through them because they're trying to create a new name for themselves."

"Not only do they have to perform on the field, they have to perform in the classroom and they have to be able to take care of themselves as a person."

"It's time, there's a need for it and we're here to help fill that gap."

"I always believe in, not just setting New Year resolutions but everyday trying to improve, everyday trying to continue to become 1% better."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

The road to where we want to be rarely looks the way we imagined it would. Setbacks, unexpected detours, and moments of uncertainty can make us question our direction, but they can also shape our character and prepare us for opportunities we may not yet see. Sometimes, the obstacles we face become the very experiences that help us grow and guide others forward.

Growth is not only about reaching a goal. It is also about remembering the people who helped us get there and recognizing the responsibility that comes with having opportunities others are still waiting for. When someone opens a door for us, we can use what we have learned to open doors for others.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess reflects on returning to Washington, DC, reconnecting with Howard University, mentoring aspiring orthopaedic surgeons, and advocating for patients and physicians on Capitol Hill. He discusses setbacks, mentorship, healthcare disparities, diversity in orthopaedic surgery, and the growing role of AI in medicine.

"Thank you God for the journey, thank you for keeping me, thank you for helping me overcome all the obstacles to get to where I am now."— Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:46 – The journey to Howard University 00:02:59 – The impact of mentorship 00:04:15 – Diversity in orthopaedics 00:06:50 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today. 00:08:39 – Building faith through obstacles 00:09:35 – Advocacy on Capitol Hill 00:10:51 – Healthcare policy and patient care 00:13:13 – What advocacy means 00:14:08 – Closing remarks

Key Takeaways:

"God knew what we needed in our lives to help shape our careers and place us under the mentorship of those two giants in orthopaedics."

"I go home a better person, being able to see the other side of what the lawmakers are encountering and the things, the obstacles that they face as well."

"Advocacy, sometimes you're supporting, pleading for or speaking on behalf of others who do not have the ability to make that presentation for themselves."

"Hopefully it'll be able to help somebody else, motivate someone else to continue to push forward in whatever your dream or capacity, in whatever endeavour you're trying to achieve."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Life gets busy. Between work, family, sports, and everything in between, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and put the things that matter most on the back burner. But busy seasons are also opportunities to build better habits, protect your energy, and learn how to keep showing up even when life feels nonstop.

Thriving through a busy season is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about knowing when to rest, taking care of your body, creating habits that keep you focused, and communicating before things become overwhelming. Small systems, intentional recovery, and making room for what matters can help you stay grounded and perform at your best.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess gets personal about navigating a demanding season of medicine, family, sports, and building his new Athlete Connect platform. He shares three practical strategies for staying consistent when life gets hectic and gives a preview of Athlete Connect and his vision for helping close healthcare gaps for collegiate athletes. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to wait for life to slow down to keep moving forward.

"Anytime you're starting something new, there can be self-doubt that tries to creep in."— Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:02:28 – Introducing Athlete Connect 00:03:07 – Addressing healthcare gaps in college sports 00:04:11 – Overcoming self-doubt and taking action 00:04:56 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today. 00:07:18 – Tip #1: Rest and recovery 00:08:20 – Listening to your body 00:09:02 – Tip #2: Building effective daily habits 00:10:00 – Tip #3: Communication and family planning 00:11:03 – Finishing the year strong 00:11:46 – Closing remarks

Key Takeaways:

"There is healthcare disparity in college sports just like there is healthcare disparity in the community."

"Follow the footsteps and the plan that God has given for you."

"I know that this is something that is a need, and when you see a need and you know it's there, many times you have to step up and fill it."

"If things are important, we have to continue to make room for them, for our family, for our spouse, for our job, for whatever else you have going on."

"If it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist."

"The earlier you talk about it, the more you can plan, the better off it's gonna be."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Getting back into sports is exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities for athletes, parents, and coaches. As the school year begins and sports seasons get underway, student-athletes are facing intense practices, long tournament days, and extreme heat. Knowing how to properly prepare, hydrate, recover, and respond to warning signs can make a major difference in keeping young athletes safe.

For student-athletes, staying healthy is about more than simply showing up for practice. Consistent nutrition and hydration, adequate rest, proper strength training, and paying attention to injuries can help the body handle the demands of a long season. Understanding the signs of heat illness, concussion, and overuse injuries is also important, especially when an athlete may be tempted to push through pain or return to play too soon.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess joins registered dietitian Rebecca Turner to talk about staying safe and healthy during the back-to-school and sports season. They discuss heat safety, hydration, nutrition, recognizing serious symptoms, common sports injuries, concussion care, overuse injuries, early sports specialization, cross-training, and preparing the body for competition. Most importantly, they remind parents and athletes to be proactive, listen to the body, and know when an injury or symptom needs to be evaluated.

"Just really paying attention to your athlete as a parent, you're gonna know when that child's not themselves, and that's gonna be a sign for you. Trust your gut."— Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:02:37 – Heat, nutrition, and hydration 00:04:38 – Understanding wet bulb temperature 00:06:16 – Signs of heat illness 00:08:36 – Heat safety for parents and athletes 00:11:09 – Preparing for sports emergencies 00:14:53 – Concussions and early evaluation 00:17:18 – Preventing overuse injuries 00:18:37 – Strength training and cross-training 00:19:10 – Sports specialization 00:20:42 – Staying healthy beyond sports physicals 00:21:27 – Friday night sports medicine clinics

Key Takeaways:

"With the heat right now, we know it's intense, so it starts off first with nutrition, hydration." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Just like with everything else when it comes to hydration, consistency over time matters." — Rebecca Turner

"The wet bulb temperature is a better measure of the impact of the temperature on your body." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"If you have somebody who has stopped sweating and cramping really badly, you need to call 911 and you also need to cool that athlete." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"I think you have to be proactive. I think it starts off with education." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Being able to remove yourself from that exposure to the sun can help the body's core temperature cool down, especially in between games." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"We have to be vigilant for any athlete that's just doing the same thing over and over and over using those same muscle systems over and over without cross-training." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Taking care of your body is not just about pushing harder. It is also about understanding how your body heals, recovers, and responds to the tools we use to support it. As red light therapy, infrared treatments, and peptides become more popular, it is important to know what is backed by science and what is simply good marketing.

For athletes, active people, and anyone dealing with pain or recovery, the right treatment can make a difference. Light therapy is being explored for everything from muscle recovery and injury healing to skin health and acne. But with so many products available, knowing what you are using, why you are using it, and whether it is actually right for you matters.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess sits down with Alon Lustman of Zero Gravity Skin to explore light therapy, recovery, and emerging wellness treatments. They break down red, infrared, and blue light, discuss how these therapies may support the body's natural healing process, and explore the growing interest in peptides. Most importantly, they emphasize the importance of looking beyond the hype, asking questions, and making informed choices about what you put on and in your body.

"Do your due diligence. Make sure you're using the right sources and just verify yourself. Just because you're doing something doesn't mean it's the right thing." — Alon Lustman

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:00:32 – Welcoming our guest, Alon Lustman

00:02:07 – The science behind light therapy

00:05:50 – Red, infrared, and blue light

00:08:30 – Light and natural healing

00:09:32 – Light therapy for athletes

00:12:02 – Heat, cold, and contrast therapy

00:15:56 – Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.

00:19:14 – Avoiding misleading claims

00:21:19 – Light therapy, peptides, and athlete safety

00:25:17 – Know what you put in your body

00:27:55 – About Zero Gravity Skin

00:29:01 – Education is key

00:31:54 – Do your due diligence

Key Takeaways:

"You want something effective and you wanna make sure it's in the right dosage as well." — Alon Lustman

"It's hard for me to tell you good peptides because it is such an iffy thing right now. There's not a good regulation to it." — Alon Lustman

"There are so many different indications for using blue light, red light, infrared, and that's something that you have to really educate yourself more on." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"What goes in your body, you're responsible for it." — Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Education is key." — Alon Lustman

About Our Guest

Alon Lustman is a skincare and longevity specialist at Zero Gravity with over a decade of experience in non-invasive skin rejuvenation. With a background in cognitive science and physics from Israel, he combines science and innovation to help people achieve healthier, youthful skin and support overall well-being.

Connect with Alon:

Web: https://beyondconference.com/speakers/alon-lustman/; https://zerogravityskin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerogravityskin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroGravitySkin/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Providing quality healthcare for athletes isn't just about having more resources. It's about building stronger systems, creating meaningful partnerships, and making sure every athlete receives the care they deserve.

HBCU athletic programs often face significant gaps in funding, staffing, facilities, nutrition, rehabilitation, and access to specialty care. These challenges can shape daily medical operations, but they should never lead to lower standards of care. Meeting these needs requires creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to finding solutions.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess explores the realities of caring for HBCU athletes and what it takes to build a stronger sports medicine system. He highlights the importance of representation and trust, mentorship and career development, coordinated medical care, and partnerships with health systems, specialists, trainers, donors, and communities. The episode offers an important lesson: closing the resource gap isn't about lowering expectations, but about building the networks and systems necessary to help athletes thrive.

"Smaller budgets do not mean you have less talented athletes, and it definitely does not mean you have less serious medical needs." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:18 – HBCU healthcare gaps

00:03:06 – The power of mentorship

00:05:06 – The opportunity that started it all

00:08:19 – The orthopedic surgeon shortage

00:09:37 – The role of a team physician

00:11:17 – How funding affects athlete care

00:13:56 – Community impact

00:14:16 – Partnerships that close the gap

00:16:12 – Partnerships that close the gap

00:17:54 – Building the medical pipeline

00:18:49 – Team physicians as leaders

00:19:52 – Representation builds trust

Key Takeaways:

"We have to be able to take good care of our athletes."

"We should be doing more protecting our athletes and taking care of our athletes."

"Being in the community is very hard to take care of a team by yourself if you do not have these resources."

"Representation can improve trust. If they don't trust you, they will never talk to you."

"The best team physicians build networks."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Success is rarely the result of one big moment. More often, it comes from the small habits, consistent choices, and support systems that shape who we become over time.

Many people focus on goals, but goals alone don't create lasting change. Without systems, it's easy to lose momentum once the excitement fades. Whether you're pursuing better health, growing a business, recovering from injury, or striving for excellence in your career, sustainable progress depends on the routines you build and the people you surround yourself with.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess brings together key lessons from Atomic Habits alongside conversations with athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, and mental health professionals. Together, they explore why small improvements lead to remarkable results, how mental fitness goes beyond mental toughness, the importance of asking for help before reaching a crisis, and practical ways to stay focused, intentional, and resilient while pursuing long-term success.

"We need to do a better job of being preventative rather than waiting for a crisis." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:28 – Breakthroughs take time

00:02:15 – Goals vs. systems: Why systems win

00:04:16 – The power of small routines

00:05:06 – What busyness steals from your life

00:07:08 – The importance of reflection and self-evaluation

00:07:35 – Focus on your trajectory

00:08:50 – Building mental fitness through intentional discipline

00:12:20 – Create Your SOS List

00:15:26 – Healing from burnout and choosing a new path

00:19:44 – Mental toughness vs. mental health

00:21:05 – Prevention is better than crisis intervention

00:21:59 – Looking beyond the athlete

00:22:16 – The power of unconditional support

Key Takeaways:

"The most powerful outcomes are usually delayed."

"Goals are the results you want to achieve. Systems are the processes that lead to results."

"The purpose of a goal is to win the game. Systems help you stay in the game."

"Things that suffer when you don't get unbusy are your relationships, your recreation, your rest, and your relationship with God."

"Be more concerned about your trajectory than your current location."

"A made-up mind and a person with nothing to lose are powerful."

"The same workout becomes harder when your mind is challenged."

"Sometimes letting someone know they're on your SOS list can be the difference maker."

"Mental health is a spectrum, and we're all on that journey."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Some conversations are difficult, but they are also necessary. Moments of tragedy often lead us to reflect on our own experiences, the people we care about, and the realities that still exist in our communities today.

For many professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, success can also bring unexpected challenges. As opportunities increase, it is not uncommon to find yourself in spaces where few people share your experiences or understand the weight that comes with being one of the first or one of only a few.

Finding support, building community, and creating opportunities for those who come after us becomes just as important as achieving success itself.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess reflects on the tragic death of Nolan Xavier Wells and the conversations it sparked about identity, representation, and belonging. Drawing from his own experiences as one of the few Black orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi, he shares the importance of mentorship, protecting your mental health, staying connected to your community, and using your platform to open doors for others. This is an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the responsibility of lifting others as you climb.

"We have to continue to make intentional decisions to expose our children, so they can have a true identity."

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Honoring Nolan Xavier Wells

00:02:00 – When success brings isolation

00:03:10 – Growing up and finding identity

00:04:07 – The impact of the HBCU experience

00:05:39 – Representation in medicine matters

00:09:45 – Reflections from the Essence Festival

00:11:18 – Raising children with a strong sense of identity

00:12:38 – The reality of being one of a few

00:13:33 – Finding mentorship and community

00:14:29 – Don't make yourself an island

00:15:03 – Use your platform to lift others

00:16:02 – Share your story, not just your success

00:17:06 – Using your gifts for good

Key Takeaways:

"With success, many times comes isolation."

"The higher you climb, the more isolated it becomes."

"It wasn't just a question, it was, 'How do I survive?'"

"Don't make yourself an island."

"Continue to lift as you climb."

"Don't just share the success, share the failures as well."

"Make sure that you are protecting your mental health."

"You are chosen for a reason. You're given your talents and abilities for a reason. Make sure you're using them for good."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Many people will never see what life looks like inside an orphanage or in a community where even a simple meal is uncertain. It is easy to hear about poverty from a distance, but being present changes the way you understand both the challenges people face and the resilience they carry every day.

Real change rarely begins with a grand plan. More often, it starts with one person responding to a need, one relationship at a time, and choosing to keep showing up year after year. Over time, those small acts of faithfulness can grow into something that changes countless lives.

What stands out most is not only the work being done, but the hope it creates. A safe place to live, the opportunity to go to school, access to medical care, and the chance to learn a trade can change the direction of a child's future.

In this episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess sits down with Ethlyn Cowan, founder of Ethlyn's Hope Center in Kenya. She shares the remarkable story of how a calling to missionary work grew into a home for orphaned children and a ministry that now serves thousands through education, medical missions, and community outreach. Together, they reflect on the realities of poverty, the power of faithful service, and why investing in people can leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

"The Holy Spirit literally spoke to me and told me I need to be doing this kind of work, missionary work, using my skills as a nurse to help those who are disadvantaged." – Ethlyn Cowan

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Introducing Ethlyn Cowan and Ethlyn's Hope

00:02:10 – How the mission began

00:03:50 – The story behind Ethlyn's Hope

00:04:34 – How local women inspired the mission

00:06:28 – The $1,000 donation that helped start the center

00:09:01 – The realities of poverty in rural Kenya

00:12:12 – The children of Ethlyn's Hope

00:13:32 – Success stories from the center

00:15:36 – Growing the medical mission

00:16:55 – Partnership with Maseno University

00:18:40 – How to donate and sponsor a child

00:19:21 – Future plans for a vocational center

00:20:42 – Why this work matters

00:21:55 – Closing remarks

Key Takeaways:

"These are poor women also, but they didn't just stay home. They were trying to help make sure that these kids go to school."

"As poor as they are, these people are rich in spirit." – Ethlyn Cowan

"When you engage with them, you can't help but to want to be a part of what's going on and want to help them and see them succeed." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

"You don't have to be anything medical. As long as you've got two hands and two feet, we will find something for you to do." – Ethlyn Cowan

"This definitely is a trip that's worth spending the money on. You come and you will not go back the same."– Ethlyn Cowan

"Even if you don't have a heart, you'll still find one." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

About Our Guest

Ethlyn Cowan is a registered nurse, missionary, and founder of Ethlyn's Hope Center, a community-based organization serving vulnerable children and families in Marera, Kenya. After earning her master's degree in Global Health, a practicum in Kenya led to a lifelong commitment to the community. Working alongside local women, she helped establish an orphanage and continues to lead annual medical missions that provide healthcare, education, and support to children and families in the surrounding villages. Guided by Matthew 25:40, Ethlyn is passionate about serving others and believes that lasting change begins by making a difference one person at a time.

Connect with Ethlyn Cowan

Website: https://www.ethlynshopewomen.org/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

Five years is a long time to stay committed to anything. Over that time, priorities change, responsibilities grow, and life looks different than it did at the beginning. What starts as an idea often requires far more patience, flexibility, and persistence than expected.

Building something consistently also teaches lessons that cannot be learned from a book or a course. Many of those lessons come from trial and error, adjusting when things are not working, and continuing even when progress feels slow.

It is easy to focus on downloads, views, and other numbers. But some of the most meaningful impact happens in conversations, connections, and feedback from people whose lives have been influenced in ways that cannot always be measured.

In this special 5th anniversary episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, Dr. Derrick Burgess reflects on the journey from launching the podcast in 2021 to producing more than 220 episodes and interviewing over 130 guests. He shares five lessons he has learned along the way, including the importance of consistency, adaptability, adding value to others, and focusing on impact rather than metrics. Through personal reflections and highlights from past episodes, this conversation offers practical encouragement for anyone working toward a long-term goal or building something that matters to them.

"You will never know the extent of your potential until you give it something to do. Your potential needs to be tested." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

00:01:02 – Celebrating five years of the podcast

00:03:28 – Lesson #1: Consistency is key

00:05:50 – Lesson #2: Don't take yourself too seriously

00:07:18 – Lesson #3: Be adaptable

00:08:31 – Lesson #4: Add value to others

00:10:21 – Lesson #5: The power of organic growth

00:11:13 – Why impact is bigger than numbers

00:13:19 – Just start and keep going

00:15:22 – Finding value in every experience

00:17:24 – Advice for aspiring podcasters

00:18:48 – The importance of delegation and support

00:19:43 – Why the perfect time never comes

00:21:19 – Focus on your trajectory, not your current position

00:22:00 – Defining success through your values

00:23:11 – Mental toughness and positive self-talk

00:24:57 – Growth requires doing the work

00:25:59 – Reaching your full potential

00:26:54 – Closing

Key Takeaways:

"Consistency is key, and from that, you'll continue to grow, continue to refine your processes, and new opportunities will open up."

"Always be open to collaborate with others."

"Your impact is more than you can measure through those numbers."

"If you are adaptable and you're willing to grow and learn as you go, I promise you it will be a blessing more than you can understand where you are right now."

"Your most valuable asset is your time."

"The time is now. Waiting on the season to be perfect probably will not occur."

"Be more concerned about your trajectory than your current location."

"Don't worry about the one that you just shot, worry about the next one."

"You can't continue to stay on the negative mental side, because it's just gonna take you down."

"Disappoint procrastination and commit to releasing your full potential."

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: [email protected]

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

Scrubs to Skylines: https://www.instagram.com/scrubstoskylines/

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.