EM’s Dr. Robert Lapus Sheds Light on Marching Band Injuries in recent UPI Feature
Robert Lapus, MD who currently serves as our Co-Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UTHealth Houston shined as an expert guest in the recent article, “Marching Band Injuries Strike a Sour Note in Emergency Rooms” for United Press International (UPI) News. His responses are in reference to an abstract titled “Marching Band Injuries in Children Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States, 2012-2021: A Trebling Tale”, which was recently presented at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, DC.
In the article, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the physical demands placed on marching band members and the need for injury prevention strategies. As Dr. Lapus noted, “…I think many of us focus on the athletes on the field and the court and can overlook the physical demands of being in the marching band.”
He also pointed out the significance of identifying commonly injured body parts like the ankle, knee, and upper trunk, which can guide protective equipment development and strength programs.
We are proud & thankful to have Dr. Lapus as a knowledgeable member of our team, sharing his expertise to benefit others and improve safety in the marching band community!