Dr. Marshall Crowther serves on the SEC Medical Review Committee. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
Dr. Marshall Crowther, medical director of the University of Mississippi Department of Health and Sports Performance and a physician at Student Health Services, is among four doctors serving on the Southeastern Conference Medical Review Committee.
The committee is responsible for performing annual fitness exams and clearing officials to participate in SEC games.
Crowther said he considers it an honor to be selected for the committee in a conference that has long been proactive in ensuring the health and safety of all participants.
“A lot of times people don’t realize what the officials go through during a game,” he said. “We hope these screenings will help prevent health issues on the field and provide them a service for their long-term health.”
The committee convenes in Birmingham each July to review medical histories of current and prospective football officials, give recommendations for further testing and administer physical fitness exams. Once the testing is completed, the SEC clears candidates to officiate for the upcoming season.
Other physicians serving on the committee are from Auburn University and the universities of Alabama and Georgia.
Before arriving at Ole Miss in 2014, Crowther served as team physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He chose to accept his position at Ole Miss because of the unique model, in which athletics and University Health Services partner to bring services for athletes to the entire campus population. This partnership includes having two full-time physical therapists on staff to provide services for the student body, athletes and employees.
UM is one of a few universities in the South that follows this model of student care, said Dr. Travis Yates, director of University Health Services.
“We are proud of this model and the camaraderie between student health and athletics in helping support a model that benefits everybody,” Yates said. “Having Dr. Crowther on our staff has improved the scope of practice that we provide.”
Student Health Services can treat minor fractures, concussions and other athletic injuries, thanks to the expertise of Crowther, who treats athletes from 7:30 to 9 a.m. weekdays at the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center. He works 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Student Health Services.
“This model works because of his dedication and constant availability.” Yates said. “This requires a significant time commitment, but he enjoys what he does. We are fortunate to have him on our team.”