FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery Named Official Team Physicians for CVCC Red Hawks

FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, part of FryeCare Physicians Network, will provide orthopedic and sports medicine care for Catawba Valley Community College Red Hawk student-athletes through a new partnership between Frye Regional Medical Center and CVCC. The collaboration gives student-athletes convenient access to experienced sports medicine physicians and coordinated care focused on injury prevention, recovery and a safe return to competition.

Sports medicine specialist Dr. Michael Simhachalam will serve as team physician, joined by Dr. Reid Russell, team orthopedic surgeon. Together, they provide expert evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation planning for sports-related injuries, while collaborating closely with Frye Regional’s athletic trainer to ensure seamless care when physician evaluation is needed. Through its Sports Medicine program, Frye Regional will provide on-campus athletic training services, creating a coordinated approach to injury prevention, treatment and recovery.

“Athletic trainers are often the first point of care for injured athletes,” said Dr. Simhachalam. “They build trusted relationships with student-athletes and play a critical role in injury prevention, evaluation and recovery. Working closely with physicians, they help identify concerns early, coordinate treatment and support athletes throughout recovery and guide a safe return to competition.”

The partnership expands access to specialized orthopedic and sports medicine care while reflecting Frye Regional’s and CVCC’s shared commitment to supporting student-athlete health, safety and success.

“At CVCC, we’re committed to creating an environment where students have every opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College. “We are grateful to partner with Frye Regional Medical Center in supporting our Red Hawk student-athletes. Together, we’re strengthening the support system that allows our students to compete with confidence, achieve their academic goals and prepare for success long after graduation.”

A certified athletic trainer with Frye Regional’s Sports Medicine program will serve as the primary on-campus health care resource for Red Hawk student-athletes. She will be present at practices and competitions, providing injury prevention, immediate evaluation, emergency response, rehabilitation support and coordination of specialty care. Her presence on-campus provides student-athletes with timely access to care, promoting safe participation and coordinating specialty treatment when needed.

“Our goal is to help student-athletes stay healthy so they can continue doing what they love,” said Dr. Russell. “By partnering with athletic trainers and coaches, we can identify injuries early, provide timely treatment and help athletes safely return to competition.”

Through the collaboration between Frye Regional’s Sports Medicine program and FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, Red Hawk student-athletes will have convenient access to athletic training, orthopedic expertise and coordinated follow-up care, all designed to keep them healthy, active and performing at their best.

To learn more about FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery or to schedule an appointment, visit FryeCarePhysicians.com/orthopedics or call 828.304.2527.

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