Galway Advertiser, Thu, Feb 06, 2025

UPMC, a leading international healthcare provider committed to delivering world-class medical care, has expanded its footprint in Ireland with the opening of a new sports medicine satellite clinic in Galway. This latest addition to the UPMC sports medicine network will offer expert, non-surgical treatment to athletes and active individuals of all ages.

At the helm is Dr Jamie Kearns, a Galway native and highly experienced sports and exercise medicine physician. Dr Kearns will provide comprehensive care aimed at enhancing health, improving performance, and preventing injuries. He will also develop personalised treatment plans for acute injuries, helping patients recover and return to activity safely and efficiently.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a specialised medical field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of sports-related or activity-related injuries. At UPMC, this service is led by expert sports medicine physicians and supported by chartered physiotherapists, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Sports medicine physicians perform in-depth assessments, use diagnostic tools, and offer a range of non-surgical treatments, including ultrasound-guided procedures and injection therapies such as cortisone injections and biologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP ). When surgery is necessary, patients are referred to an orthopaedic specialist.

“Diagnosing patients and athletes and developing an effective treatment plan is our primary role as sports medicine physicians,” says UPMC sports medicine consultant Dr Jamie Kearns. “Equally important is clear communication — ensuring that patients, athletes, parents, coaches, and physiotherapists understand the diagnosis and treatment strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.”

With the launch of the Galway clinic, UPMC reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred sports medicine care, helping individuals stay active and injury-free.

What are the common conditions treated by sports medicine?

The most common conditions treated by sports medicine physicians are injuries to the knee, shoulders, and hip, chronic knee pain, sprains (primarily ankles ), muscle strains and injuries, musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, and concussion.

Dr Kearns, in his role as a sports and exercise medicine physician for UPMC, says he is looking forward to seeing a range of patients at his clinic in Galway. “My role is to provide professional expertise and treatments for athletes, farmers, runners, golfers, gardeners, and a host of others. I work with the patient to address their aches, pains, and injuries that might arise from daily physical activity, through exercise or sport. My focus is to get every patient back to their desired level of activity, no matter what their age or experience level.”