Michael Collins, Ph.D., a nationally renowned sports concussion clinician and researcher, joined the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Program as assistant director when the program was established in September 2000. The program encompasses an ongoing clinical service and research team whose focus is providing the best possible evaluation and management of sports-related concussions in athletes of all levels.
In October 2002, Dr. Collins was the author of the first major study examining the effects of multiple concussions in high school athletes – published in the journal of Neurosurgery. In 1999, Dr. Collins was the author of two major multi-site studies involving the effects of concussion and return-to-play evaluation methods.
Dr. Collins continues to administer and oversee clinical programs for concussion management for sports teams at several major high schools throughout the country. He is a clinical consultant to numberous Major League Baseball teams and to several amateur and professional sports organizations, both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Collins received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology at the University of Southern Maine in 1991, a master’s degree in psychology at Michigan State University in 1995, and his doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Michigan State in 1998.
He has published numerous other articles in neuropsychology and sports medicine journals during the past several years, and is a frequently invited presenter on the topic of sports concussions at national and international meetings. He has co-authored a sports concussion textbook and is a reviewer for JAMA.
The North American Brain Injury Society recognized Dr. Collins with the 2005 Innovations in Treatment Award, given annually to an individual selected by the NABIS Board of Directors for developing and implementing innovative and efficacious treatment for persons with brain injuries.
A two-year winner of the New England Pepsi-Cola Scholar/Athlete of the Year Award, Dr. Collins played for the University of Southern Maine in the 1989 NCAA Baseball College World Series.
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