In another thread, it was pointed out that the relationship between a Team Physician, the team, and the players can be somewhat complicated. Starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars upon their inception, it appears that many teams have had or have an ongoing marketing relationship with the Team Physician and their respective medical practice. One article stated that the Jaguars were paid between 1.5 and 2.0 million dollars by the physicians' in order to establish their relationship. The Collective Bargaining Agreement did address at least some of the potential for conflicts by including the option for players to seek 2nd opinions in the event of injury. It is unclear if this type of marketing agreement still exists within the NFL...see thread "
Who pays who ?". There is a link to an article which strongly indicates this type of relationship, or at least a hybrid, remains.
Note that the potential for many conflicts remain. For example, obviously a team wants their player on the field, and this cannot always be in the best interest of the long-term health and/or career of the player.
There is an organization within the Team Physician "community" that at least ascribes to the concept of priortizing the health of the individual player. Dr. McKenzie is the immediate past president of the organization. From their website:
"
The National Football League Physicians SocietyThe History of the NFLPS
A number of members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons met at the Palmer House, in Chicago, in January 1966. The purpose of the informal meeting was to discuss problems in professional football that these men, who were team physicians, were having and to develop better communications among the teams. Drs. Fred Reynolds, Clint Compere, Edmond McDonald, Joe Godfrey and James Nicholas were at the first meeting.
The Sports Medicine Committee, at that time chaired by Dr. Jack Hughston, established a liaison with this group. In February 1967, the National Academy of Science sponsored a workshop on professional football injuries. It was the first workshop of this type.
Dr. James Nicholas, of the New York Jets, was made the first President, in 1967. Dr. Fred Reynolds, who was president of the Academy, was made the second president, in 1968, followed by Dr. Joseph Godfrey of the Buffalo Bills, in 1969, and Dr. Edmond McDonald of the Baltimore Colts, in 1970. Each Academy meeting between 1967 and 1970 was the site of a program held in conjunction with the Academy, which also included a dinner for the members.
Additional members who joined at that time were Drs. Jim Funk of Atlanta, Kenneth Saer from New Orleans, and Herbert Virgin from Miami. In those days, the problems included the difficulties with trading players and the availability of their medical records. Transfer of information was very limited from club to club.
It is interesting to note that in the formation of the Society, two Academy presidents, Drs. Reynolds and Compere, and an Academy vice-president, Dr. Godfrey, were directly involved in the care of teams and also involved with setting up both the Sports Medicine Society, in 1972 and the Professional Football Physicians Association.
It was through the efforts of these men, as well as those of Dr. Hinchey, another Academy president, from whom the Committee on Sports Medicine got its stimulus.
The Society flourished as other teams were added. Currently the Society has 134 members, representing 32 teams. Many of the 134 members are leaders in the field of Sports Medicine, have academic affiliations, have contributed to the literature regarding injuries in athletics, and are involved in the education of fellows and residents in the field of Sports Medicine.
In 1970, the New York Jets instituted a procedure to bring draft choices to their club facilities for physical examination during the winter, starting with 40 players. This led to many of the teams doing the same thing and ultimately to the combined physicals in the last decade. The combined exams are held each year in Indianapolis. The NFL physicians examine 450-500 players in preparation for the draft. During this week, the physicians hold a scientific meeting in which members present information regarding injuries and medical problems common to professional football players.
The NFL Physician Society holds its annual business meeting during the week of the combined physicals. At this time, the Society addresses issues common to the membership such as controlling substance abuse problems among players, medico-legal concerns, and establishing effective liaisons with the owners and league office.
The goals of the NFL Physician Society are to constantly work toward improving the care of the professional football players and the prevention and treatment of injuries. "
Dr. Patrick McKenzie
Team Physician
Dr. Patrick McKenzie is an Oshkosh native. In addition to serving as the Green Bay Packers Team Medical Director and team Orthopedic Physician, he also serves as the Orthopedic Physician for the UW Oshkosh Titan Athletic Department.. Dr. McKenzie has a medical practice in Green Bay, WI.. Dr. McKenzie specializes in Orthopedics and Arthroscopic Surgery. Dr. McKenzie received his undergraduate degree from St. John's (MN) University, his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his Fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, AL.
He is also the immediate past President of the NFL Team Physician Society and is a member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, State Medical Society and State Orthopedic Society. Dr. McKenzie and his family reside in DePere, WI.