OSF HealthCare continues to build on the healthcare services offered to the community as the official healthcare provider for Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University athletics programs.
“These valuable partnerships with two long-standing universities will strengthen our ties to the Bloomington-Normal community through sports medicine outreach outside our clinics,” said Jennifer Ulrich, interim president at OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. “Our focus is on growing our services for the residents of this community and surrounding areas—so that we can provide the care needed right where they live.”
Through these partnerships, OSF HealthCare doctors and athletic trainers will work with athletes and their families, providing care for these young adults through advanced sports medicine.
Robert Seidl, MD, medical director of both sports medicine programs, will work closely with Karan Rai, MD, a sports medicine physician with OSF HealthCare.
“By partnering with ISU and IWU, OSF is showcasing to the Bloomington-Normal community that we support these established institutions and are committed to providing excellent care,” Dr. Rai said. “OSF is providing significant support by opening further access to medical resources, partnering for innovative research, and further fostering local relationships. The commitment extends for quite a few years, and I look forward to the new avenues for collaboration that will be created.”
“While we appreciate the reward of a more visible presence in the community, the bonus to our organization is much deeper than that,” said Ulrich. “For OSF HealthCare, the ability to increase our reach and interact with the community allows us to build upon our commitment and legacy to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people we serve as we have been for over 143 years.”
Get to Know Robert Seidl, MD
Though Dr. Seidl sees many high-level athletes in the clinic, he also treats common sports medicine injuries that could happen to anyone. Having practiced in Bloomington for over 25 years, he has a special interest in arthroscopic, sports and hip surgery. Common injuries Dr. Seidl and Dr. Rai treat include overuse injuries such as tendinitis or muscle strains.
“These injuries often happen from excessive training volume or imbalance between one’s strength and flexibility,” said Seidl. “This happens among all activity levels, and commonly can be minimized with proper preparation—such as warming up before exercising.”
Dr. Seidl’s desire to be a doctor started young, following in his father’s footsteps. Dr. Seidl completed medical school at Rush Medical College, a residency in orthopedic surgery at Mayo Clinic, and a fellowship in sports medicine at Watson-Swanson Orthopedic Clinic.
Dr. Rai and Danielle Beer, PA, remain available to see patients for non-operative orthopedic issues at the OSF Medical Group – Sports Medicine at 1701 E. College Avenue in Normal. Appointments can be made by calling (309) 664-3161.
Get to Know Karan Rai, MD
Dr. Rai’s favorite part about caring for athletes is supporting their athletic passion.
“At the collegiate level, helping them perform optimally and safely while setting them up for success long-term is very fulfilling,” he said. “I love the challenges that can arise with higher-level athletics, but I take satisfaction in helping all my patients towards their individual goals.”
“I was originally born in India, but I’ve lived in the U.S. most of my life. I claim Philadelphia because it was the first U.S. city I lived in,” Rai said. “Being a huge sports fan makes working with the collegiate athletes a dream come true.”
Services Available
Though Drs. Seidl and Rai focus their time on caring for athletes most days, OSF HealthCare Medical Group in Bloomington also offers care for all levels of athletic ability. Some common injuries or issues include those from running, playing sports, lifting weights, or other everyday exercise. The OSF HealthCare team works together with athletes of all ages and abilities to help them heal and recover as quickly as possible.
Ankle and knee injuries, concussions, and dislocations are just a few of the specialties, in addition to those affecting the hand and wrist. The hand and wrist comprise 27 bones connected by numerous joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making the hand and wrist susceptible to many types of injuries.
In addition, should your athlete need surgical care, the OSF HealthCare team has surgeons who can treat sports injuries. While surgery is a last resort, OSF doctors can help with a variety of conditions, from arthritis, broken bones, and carpal tunnel syndrome to nerve and tendon injuries.
