HISA forms Medical Advisory Committee on jockeys health, well being
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has established a committee to advise on health and well-being matters experienced by jockeys, HISA announced on Friday.
The Medical Advisory Committee will consist of “licensed medical professionals from a variety of specialties,” HISA said, including “sports medicine, emergency medicine, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, trauma care, mental health, or other medical disciplines.”
The committee will meet quarterly but can be convened in an emergency setting for immediate consultation in “emergency situations,” HISA said. The authority sent out a call for applications to serve on the committee on Friday.
The Medical Advisory Committee joins other similar committees that HISA has established to inform policies on a variety of racing-related subjects. HISA has also relied on scientific experts to formulate rules on concussion protocols and ontrack medical procedures for jockeys who are injured during racing.
“By bringing together sports medical professionals from across the country, we aim to continue developing and refining best practices that protect the health of our riders, both proactively and in response to injuries sustained while riding,” said Dr. Peter Hester, HISA’s National Medical Director.
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