President's Message
 Welcome to Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) 2025! I hope safe and uneventful travels were had by all 501 registrants who participated in 12th Annual Meeting held in Columbus, OH. A record-breaking attendance proves that the passion for pediatric research in sports medicine and the opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends is uninhibited by the potential for cold weather and snow. PRiSM’s colleagues from Asia made the trek to Ohio to participate in the meeting. The expansion of three days of clinical content at this year’s meeting was met with energy and enthusiasm. Co-chairs Jonathon Napolitano and Joe Janosky, along with the scientific committee, worked diligently to meet the needs of our members, and we are so grateful for their time and dedication. Sophia Ulman championed the successful RIG restructure and roll out. Keynote speaker, Stephanie Kuzydym, brought the house down with heart-felt stories of “Safer Sidelines” and the families impacted by the unnecessary loss of a child wanting to have fun and participate in sports. It left many of us thinking “what is my role, how can I do better” in making sports safer.
With inspiration and energy, we embark on 2025 with our commitment to PRiSM’s mission and dedication to multidisciplinary research and education. We strive for improvements within and outside of PRiSM with the expansion of industry partnerships, sponsorships and collaborations. The presidential line and Board of Directors recognizes the importance of value in membership and the opportunity to be included in PRiSM’s vision via participation in a RIG, a committee, the annual meeting, in a leadership role, or with a voice or an idea for change. We are committed to “getting the RIGs right” and encourage all members to attend RIG meetings of their choice, which are listed on the membership site. These meetings will provide updates on research initiatives, work group projects, publications and abstract submissions. The newly developed Research Oversight Committee (ROC) form will assist in connecting members with potential work groups, so everyone can participate in research whether you are from a large healthcare institution or a small private clinic. Please tune in and help support the Pediatric Sports Lab Podcast, which launched last year, as it highlights the accomplishments of each RIG and PRiSM members.
Additional initiatives for 2025 include potential mentorship programs, development of the Research Grant Committee, and identification of future annual meeting sites.
In addition to research, thank you for your time and dedication to caring for young athletes, mending their injuries, identifying their concussion or cardiac condition, advocating for health and nutrition, preventing injuries, and developing safety gear.
Please feel free to direct questions, suggestions and comments to me and our Board of Directors at info@prismsports.org or 414-918-9876. We look forward to seeing you January 29 – February 1 in Austin, TX for the 2026 Annual Meeting!
Donna Merkel, DPT SCS CSC - President
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