The Holistic Athletic Healthcare Model: Addressing the Developmental, Social, and Cultural Needs of Collegiate Athletes

Many adolescent and young adult athletes only access the healthcare system through involvement in sports. Yet, many opportunities are missed in the sports medicine environment to provide holistic, quality care for these athletes that assists them in navigating to healthy adults and addresses inequities that impair good health. Since most causes of morbidity and mortality in this age group are related to poor health behaviors, and comprehensive health care services are fragmented, it is imperative that sports medicine healthcare be reimagined to incorporate a social-ecological perspective that holistically addresses the unique medical, social, cultural, and behavioral needs of athletes. We propose a social-ecological perspective that enhances developmental assets as the basis for sports medicine services. This innovative approach - the Holistic Athletic Healthcare Model - involves 1) addressing adolescent developmental needs and the social determinants of health at the individual level, 2) using strength-based approaches and demonstrating cultural competency in health provider relationships, 3) integrating medical care with campus community services, and 4) promoting health equity in the campus environment. Engagement in sports has many benefits beyond winning in the game, and health is more than being injury-free. Sports medicine practitioners and healthcare systems must be proactive in supporting athletes from all backgrounds to become healthy adults.