US-based non-profit academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic has begun a multi-year partnership to become the primary provider of medical services for student athlete health and wellness at Kent State University.

The clinic will offer a range of multidisciplinary services to support the university's sports programmes, including access to physicians, physical therapy, sports performance services, behavioural health services, athletic training and assistance with medical scheduling and insurance processing.  

The partnership aims to enhance the overall health and performance of Kent State's student athletes.

Kent State Athletics' head team physician and healthcare administrator will be Dr Lutul Farrow, who is currently serving as the executive director of Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine.

Dr Farrow will lead a team of six board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists, including Cleveland Clinic sport and exercise medicine director Dr Sami Rifat.

The team will be present at all Kent State home sporting events, Mid-American Conference championships hosted by the university, and both home and away football games.

They will also offer medical clinic hours to student athletes throughout the year.

Dr Farrow said: “Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine is thrilled to partner with Kent State University as the official healthcare provider for their athletic programmes.

“Our goal is to deliver the highest level of care and support to their talented student athletes, ensuring they can perform at their best while maintaining optimal health and wellness.”

The partnership will ensure that Golden Flash students, faculty, and other staff members have access to an on-site sports physical therapist and a registered dietician, either virtually or on-site, to assist with nutritional needs.

It will provide student athletes with streamlined access to a range of healthcare services, as well as access to mental health support via a sports and performance psychologist.

Cleveland Clinic will continue to provide education opportunities for Kent State's athletic trainers and physicians to aid their professional development.