World Wrestling Entertainment: What is a Talent Wellness Program?

Health has always been the top priority of each sport event, therefore the same has been applicable in case of the World Wrestling Entertainment. In such championships, the health and wealth of WWE Superstars are considered as the most important factor, as the competition entirely depends on them. In this context, the WWE Talent Wellness Program is said to make its existence. 

All about the WWE Talent Wellness Program

The WWE Talent Wellness Program, which is independently run by recognised medical experts, is said to offer cardiovascular testing, ImPACT, cognitive function testing, drug and alcohol testing, annual physicals, and health recommendations. According to reports, this Talent Wellness Program was implemented on February 27, 2006 by WWE. Moreover, this program is administered independent of WWE by the team of physicians that include Dr. Joseph Maroon (WWE Medical Director), Dr. Timothy Robert (Interim Program Administrator), Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas (WWE Associate Medical Director), Dr. Mark Lovell (ImPACT), Dr. Vijay K. Bahl (Endocrinologist), Dr. Bryan Donohue (Cardiologist), Dr. Mark Unterberg (Sports Psychiatrist), Dr. Tom Sisk (Orthopedic), Dr. Chris Robinson (WWE Ringside Physician), Dr. Jeffrey Westerfield (WWE Ringside Physician, and Dr. Christopher Amann (WWE Senior Ringside Physician). 

Various Components of the WWE Talent Wellness Program:

Since its inception, the wellness program has been improved and widened to incorporate the following:

• Cardiovascular Testing and Monitoring Program- Prior to receiving a contract by WWE, all WWE superstars are required to pass a rigorous cardiovascular stress test. Once under contract, they should also pass tests at least every two years (more frequently as and when circumstances warrant). However, WWE’s cardiovascular testing and monitoring programme is said to be administered by Dr. Bryan Donohue, Division Chief of Cardiology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital and Senior Partner at Donohue Cardiology Associates.
• Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy- The Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy is said to forbid WWE talent from using pharmaceuticals for anything other than a valid medical need, as directed by a licensed and treating physician, in accordance with a valid prescription. It is also banned to employ diuretics or masking agents to hide or obfuscate the usage of illegal substances. The policy is said to be successfully administered by Dr. Timothy A. Robert, Ph.D., D-ABCC (Interim Program Administrator), of Aegis Sciences Corporation. 
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Staffing and Infrastructure- The Talent Wellness Program, which is composed of a full medical and wellness personnel and infrastructure, is said to be run by Dr. Joseph Maroon, WWE’s Medical Director. Dr. Maroon is responsible for managing the medical care and drug testing for WWE athletes, as well as for overseeing the ringside doctors and athletic trainers. 
• Annual Physical Examinations and Blood Screening- All WWE talented performers are said to undergo yearly physicals, and blood tests as part of the wellness program. The purpose of the tests and screening has been detecting problems before they become signs of a disease, illness, or any damage.
• Referrals to Consulting Health Care Providers on an as Needed Basis- WWE is said to provide all WWE talent with the opportunity to visit licensed medical specialists, who can assist them with difficulties that might occasionally take place. Under the direction of Dr. Maroon, WWE is said to forge connections with eminent experts in endocrinology, orthopaedics, and psychiatry. 
• Mandatory ImPACT™ Testing- Based on facts, cognitive speed, tests of memory, as well as reaction time are administered to all WWE performers. The NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, US Olympic Training Center, as well as more than 400 institutions and 2,000 high schools are said to employ the ImPACT Concussion Management Program for monitoring, and also analysis.

Therefore, taking into account the well-being, and successful conduction of WWE the Talent Wellness Program is said to make its existence. Throughout the years, the program has managed to successfully conduct, and take the necessary initiatives as and when required. 

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