HISA Establishes Medical Advisory Committee Focused on Jockey Health and Safety
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) announced Thursday the formation of a new Medical Advisory Committee comprised of leading medical professionals from across the United States. The committee will provide expert guidance on matters related to jockey health, safety and well-being.
The newly formed group will advise HISA‘s executive team and standing committees by offering recommendations on jockey safety best practices, reviewing proposed rules, and providing insight on medical protocols for jockey care, injury prevention, and emergency response.
“Establishing this committee marks a significant step in our mission to prioritize the health and safety of our jockeys, whose well-being is paramount,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “We’re looking forward to working with an experienced group of medical experts who will help us continue building an ecosystem of care that sets a new standard for the sport.”
Dr. Peter Hester, HISA‘s National Medical Director and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine in Lexington, KY, emphasized the importance of the committee’s diverse expertise.
“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,” Hester said.
The Medical Advisory Committee includes nine distinguished medical professionals representing various specialties:
- Brian Adkins – Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine
- Mark R. Allen – Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio
- Howard S. Bush – Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University
- Douglas J. Casa – CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute
- Angelo A. Chinnici – Medical Director of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
- Marc Cormier – Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky
- Shae Datta – Co-Director of the New York University Langone Concussion Center
- Barth A. Green – Executive Dean for Global Health and Community Service and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Dr. Nicholas Theodore – Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
The committee’s formation represents HISA‘s ongoing commitment to enhancing safety standards throughout the horseracing industry, with a specific focus on the health and welfare of jockeys.
