Staying healthy on and off the field

Five University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumni are tasked with keeping the Saskatchewan Roughriders healthy and on the field.

Dr. Martin Heroux (MD’01) has been a physician with the Roughriders for the past 12 seasons. He took over as head physician in 2016 and without really thinking about it, brought together a team of highly successful and skilled doctors and surgeons – with one thing in common – a USask education.

“To be honest, it was just how it worked out,” said Heroux.

Joining Dr. Heroux is Dr. Warren Dufour (MD’88), Dr. James Fraser (MD’81), Dr. Jordan Buchko (MD’09), and Dr. Michael Nicholls (MD’90).

Fraser has been with the Riders since the 1990s, but it was Heroux who brought in Dufour, Buchko and Nichols in 2016.

“Looking back at it, it makes sense that we are all USask grads because we are all from here, we all understand the culture of Saskatchewan, the team and the importance of the team to the community,” said Heroux. “I think it gives us a good foundation to do our work and an extra sense of appreciation for the position, having grown up in this province.”

Throughout the season, the medical team helps players stay healthy, but also come back from an injury, while working closely with administration on updates and status of players.

Read more about our alumni and their work with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Green & White.