Q & A with Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic’s Dr. Erika Persson
Did you know that Donnan and Vimy student-athletes have access to a Pediatric Sports Medicine Doctor every Tuesday afternoon?
Her name is Dr. Erika Persson and we had a chance to chat about The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic and the services she provides to our student-athletes.
Tell us about yourself.
Born and raised in the Edmonton area and completed Medical School along with Pediatrics Residency at the University of Alberta. I did a 1 year special training fellowship in Pediatric Sports Medicine in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba.
I am a national team physician for Skate Canada and regularly travel internationally with our figure skaters.
I have a dance background as a student, teacher and professional performer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
I enjoy working out, biking, walking and Barre Fitness classes.
I have been a medical volunteer physican with a number of national events including FIFA U20 WWC in 2014 as well as the Canada Games 2013 and 2015 and upcoming FISU/Universiade games in South Korea with Team Canada.
What is the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic?
The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic located in the Kaye Edmonton Clinic on the U of A campus providing care to athletes of all ages. Services available include Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Physiotherapy, Physiatry and Orthotics and Bracing via our Orthotist. The clinic also has available a store for braces, taping supplies, rehab equipment and rentals.
Where and when are you available to Donnan and Vimy student-athletes?
My regular clinics are Tuesday afternoons noon-3:20pm and are drop in, first come first served. The Clinics are held in the main office at Vimy.
Parents are encouraged to attend (mandatory for Donnan student-athletes) if possible and if not then any information will be passed thru the students. If parents have questions after a visit they can call the GSSMC clinic directly to leave me a message as the Vimy administrative staff are unable to assist with these questions.
(Please note that GSSMC clinic staff cannot book your appointment, more on that process later)
What services do you provide?
I provide Sport Medicine assessments for students at Vimy Ridge. After assessments, I provide treatment plans and suggestions for investigations if needed but I do not have the ability to cast, brace, suture or do Xray on site at the school Also there is no in school Physiotherapy available at the present time.
Problems seen are related to the Musculoskeletal system as I don’t do yearly check ups or provide primary care services.
What are some common injuries you deal with at the GSSMC?
Overuse injury such as Osgood Schlatter, Patellofemoral symptoms, Sever’s apophysitis. Muscle strains and tendonitis. Stress fractures, ankle sprains. Lower back pain related to sports.
How can Donnan and Vimy student-athletes make an appointment.
The student-athlete and/or their family come to the main office at Vimy and ask for the scheduling binder and sign up for an open slot on the day requested. These appointments will be booked on a first-come, first served basis.
Please note that no referral is required and there will be no fee for the visit.
Reminders about appointments are not sent or called to families. Students are responsible for remembering their appointment and attending.
All student-athletes need a consent form to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to their first appointment. (Download the consent form or fill one out at the Vimy Main Office)
The administrative staff at Vimy are not able to schedule appointments for student-athletes.
