Are We Failing Our Athletes? A Sports Medicine Doctor on Healing the Whole Person, Not Just the Player cover art

Are We Failing Our Athletes? A Sports Medicine Doctor on Healing the Whole Person, Not Just the Player

Are We Failing Our Athletes? A Sports Medicine Doctor on Healing the Whole Person, Not Just the Player

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 We celebrate athletes as superheroes, but what happens when the pressure to perform ignores their basic humanity? From social media noise to the dangerous myth of the "normal" missing period, Dr. Marcia “Marcy” Faustin reveals the systemic gaps in sports care — and how a "Fuel Your Soul" model could revolutionize athlete health. In this compelling episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Dr. Marcy Faustin — a former Division I track star turned family and sports medicine physician for the US Women’s Gymnastics team. Recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit, Dr. Marcy challenges the "gladiator" mentality, arguing that true performance comes from treating the whole human, not just the injury. Dr. Marcy shares: The "Biospychosocial" Playbook: Why treating an athlete’s mental health and social environment (like food insecurity) is as critical as treating a sprained ankle. The Social Media Sideline Hazard: Her strategy for helping athletes set boundaries — including a crucial 15-minute rule after competition — to protect their mental space from the noise of public opinion. Busting a Dangerous Health Myth: Why losing your period as a female athlete is a major red flag, not a badge of honor, and why birth control pills are often a misguided "solution." Body Image Off the Field: How to shift the conversation from "what you look like" to "what your amazing body can do," and why men must be part of this conversation. A Vision for 2050: How equity, diverse leadership, and a "Fuel Your Soul" center at the Olympic Village can create a future where every athlete sees themselves in the system. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of the people we put on pedestals, this conversation is an urgent call to see the person behind the performance. Listen now to learn how we can champion a healthier, more humane sports culture. 00:00 | Introducing Dr. Marcia “Marcy” Faustin: From Track Star to Team Physician 01:05 | The Holistic Approach: Treating the Whole Athlete, Not Just the Injury 03:40 | The Unseen Struggles: Athletes are Human, Not Superheroes 05:25 | Managing the Noise: Social Media Boundaries for Athletes 09:11 | Redefining Body Image: From Aesthetics to Performance 11:04 | The Future of Sports Medicine: Equity and "Fuel Your Soul" 12:26 | Lightning Round: Warm-Up Anthems, Health Myths, and Dream Mentors 15:47 | Call to Action: Put Your Health First & Get Checked Stay Connected: 👉🏾 Follow Dr. Faustin on Twitter: @FaustinMarcia 👉🏾 Learn more about her work on the UC Davis Health website 👉🏾 Follow USA Women’s Gymnastics for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 👉🏾 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok 🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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