Dr. Vernon Williams, neurologist and sports concussion expert, joins the AT Last Podcast to tackle one of the most urgent issues in athletics: brain health. From youth leagues to professional sports, concussions remain both misunderstood and under-addressed, particularly in communities with limited access to specialty care. Dr. Williams explains the latest science on diagnosis, treatment, and long-term impact, while also shedding light on the cultural barriers that prevent athletes and families from seeking help.

The conversation goes beyond medicine, exploring the intersections of race, equity, and representation in neurology and sports medicine. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of building systems of trust, educating athletes and parents, and ensuring that every community has the resources to protect brain health. This episode challenges long-standing myths about concussions and delivers practical insights for coaches, healthcare providers, and anyone invested in the future of safe play.

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Artwork by Jason Eisenberg 

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Music by Willie B the Ichiban Don

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Production / Engineering / Editing / by Gerson Sandoval

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Guest

Website: https://www.vernonwilliamsmd.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonwilliamsmd/

X: https://x.com/VernWilliamsMD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VernonWilliamsMD/

References

1. Lyons TW, Miller KA, Miller AF, Mannix R. Racial and ethnic differences in emergency department utilization and diagnosis for sports-related head injuries. Front Neurol. 2019;10:690.
2. Wallace J, Covassin T, Moran R. Racial disparities in concussion knowledge and symptom recognition in American adolescent athletes. J Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2018;5(1):221-228.