Duke's Friday night clinic helps injured student athletes

Most cases won't require emergency care, but the rest typically wait for Monday to have a doctor check them out.

Now, Duke University Hospital is offering a special Friday night clinic to help student athletes at nine high schools in Durham, Orange and Wake counties who suffer less critical injuries.

“Whether it's a concussion, whether it's an ankle sprain, whether it's an ACL injury or different type of fracture, those are all things that we'll be outfitted to take,” said Dr. Tracy Ray, an orthopaedic surgeon with Duke Sports Medicine.

“We are there helping the athletic trainers from the schools. We are helping cover the football game,” said Alanna Baker, a Duke certified athletic trainer.

“This way, your care is much more definitive, and it's a lot quicker,” Ray said.

Players who need it can return Saturday morning for therapy, rather than waiting until Monday.

“They get a couple days’ head start, so that could make the difference of them returning to practice a couple days later,” Baker said.

Duke's staff on the field can also help with judgment calls, especially when they involve concussions.