Beech Tree News Network

Something Butler County athletic officials have talked about doing for years became reality last week as the school joined with Orthopedic Plus Physical Therapy to offer free athletic physicals for its student-athletes.  The physical screenings were held Monday, July 12, at the BCHS Athletic Fieldhouse.  All students who participate in school-related athletics are required to have a physical, which is valid for one calendar year.  

“We’ve always discussed ways we could offer athletic physicals to our student-athletes because we have seen the success of similar programs in other school districts,” said Brandon Embry, Athletics’ Director at Butler County High School.  “We’re really grateful that Orthopedics Plus stepped up to make that happen in Butler County.”  

Approximately 64 BCHS student-athletes took part in the free physical program as several health-care providers and sports medicine professionals were on site to examine each athlete as they progressed through different stations.  The entire physical examination took approximately 15-20 minutes per athlete.   

The following medical and sports medicine professionals were present to provide physicals for BCHS student-athletes: 

* Abigail DeBusk, DO is a sports medicine physician with UK HealthCare Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. She received her Doctor of Osteopathy at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and completed residency training at the University of Kentucky. She is fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine from the University of Cincinnati.

* Chaitu Malempati, DO is an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor with UK HealthCare Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville University, and completed residency training at Michigan State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garden City Hospital. He is fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine from the University of Kentucky.  Dr. Malempati serves as Head Team Physician and Medical Director for Western Kentucky University Athletics.

* Zac Lechler, Athletic Trainer

* Jase Pinerola PT, DPT, SCS, ECS, LAT

Jase received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky in May 2009 and his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Kentucky in 1990. He is a board certified clinical specialist in both sports and electrophysiologic physical therapy. He is also a licensed athletic trainer and an adjunct professor for Western Kentucky University School of Physical Therapy. 

*Kevin Winn, CSCS, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Locally, Dr. Ghayth Hammad, MD, and staff members also volunteered their time to help.  For those high school student-athletes who were unable to attend, Dr. Hammad will offer free athletic physicals at his office in Morgantown.  

Jessi McKee, RN, and a teacher at the Butler County Area Technical School, along with some of her students also assisted.  

“We are extremely pleased with how this event turned out and we definitely want to continue it in the future,” said Embry.  “I expect the number of student-athletes taking part will steadily increase.”  

Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy is a full-service provider of rehabilitative services for both non-0perative and post-operative conditions.  Fitness centers with treadmills, free and machine weights, etc. are also provided at its facilities.  Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy has locations in Bowling Green, Elkton, Morgantown, Russellville, and Scottsville.