IU Health & Ball State Team Up to Keep Athletes Safe, Healthy & Game-Ready
Photographer / Chris Carroll
As the energy of fall sports fills stadiums across east central Indiana, a powerful partnership is working behind the scenes to keep athletes strong, healthy and ready for competition. Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University have expanded their long-standing relationship, uniting medical expertise with athletic excellence in a renewed agreement that designates IU Health as the Official Healthcare and Sports Medicine Provider for Ball State Athletics.
Under the new arrangement, IU Health delivers an all-encompassing suite of services for Ball State’s athletes and coaches. From pre-participation physicals and injury-prevention training to on-site medical direction at athletic events, the health system’s specialists will be present every step of the way. Their oversight extends to the evaluation and treatment of sports-related injuries, guidance in rehabilitation programs, and coordination with Ball State’s certified athletic trainers to ensure every player receives comprehensive and consistent care.
One of those experts, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Anthony McPherron, has recently joined the IU Health Ball Memorial orthopedic team that supports Ball State Athletics. A board-certified surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, McPherron brings extensive knowledge in sports medicine and joint replacement. His focus on performance enhancement, injury prevention and long-term recovery ensures that student-athletes receive individualized, high-quality care tailored to their needs both on and off the field.
Beyond campus, IU Health Ball Memorial’s outpatient facility at Tillotson and Gilbert serves as a convenient access point for student-athletes and the broader Muncie community. Jeff Hanson, service line administrator for orthopedics, rehab and neurosciences, notes the strong partnerships IU Health maintains with other local providers.
“We serve a large and active population,” Hanson says. “Our collaboration with community health care professionals allows us to deliver seamless care and keep our patients moving.”
This fall, IU Health’s presence extends well beyond university stadiums. Their physicians and athletic trainers are visible fixtures on the sidelines of area high school football fields, ensuring local athletes benefit from the same level of professional attention as their collegiate counterparts.
With the season underway, the partnership between IU Health and Ball State stands as a model of community collaboration — uniting medical innovation, preventive care and athletic performance to help student-athletes thrive safely and successfully throughout the year.
For more information, visit IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s home page online.
Comments 1
I am very disappointed that Dr Chandler Brobst was never mentioned in this article. 2 Doctors are pictured and only one has been mentioned. Dr Chandler Brobst is the un-mentioned Doctor. I believe it is worth mentioning this man and all the hard work he has put in to take care of the Ball State athletes. He has been leading the Doctors and athletic trainers at Ball University, since their partnership between IU orthopedics and Ball state began. Not to down play Dr McPherron, but he only recently joined the IU practice in recent months. It’s also worth mentioning that these Drs work long hours at the practice and then to the athletic events at BSU. The contribution they give to this community is impressive and certainly worth mentioning their names.