What Parents Say
“We were very grateful to have the support of Dr. McGrath during Sam’s recovery. His calm, knowledgeable and unhurried approach was very reassuring. His experience with concussion recovery was also incredibly helpful and allowed us to understand what our son’s recovery was going to be like. Having testing allowed us to see progress in his recovery.”
Nancy Friedman, Parent | Thayer Academy, Braintree, MA
“Dr. McGrath has been a godsend in my daughter’s recovery. His expertise in treating athletes with head injuries is second to none. She was treated by several doctors before seeing Dr. McGrath. His care and his caring for her made the biggest single difference in her recovery.”
Cynthia Schulz, parent of a student athlete (women’s basketball)
Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY
“As a parent of a teenage son who sustained a significant concussion during a football game last year I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. McGrath. The information and understanding from Dr. McGrath made such a difference to me. His calm manner, wealth of information and hard core testing data gave us hope during my son’s recovery. Debbie, his assistant, helped me to navigate through the insurance process without adding worry atop of an already worried mom.”
Terri Ennis, R.N. | Marshfield, MA
“Dr. McGrath, I wish to tell you how nice it was to meet you and thank you so much for everything. It was so helpful and reassuring to truly understand what is going on with our son now and how to best manage this… You have a wonderful way with adolescents and this truly made a difference for our son and ultimately for my husband and myself as well.”
Marianne Hennigan | Hopkinton, MA
What Athletic Trainers & Directors Say
“Dr. McGrath and the use of computerized testing have been invaluable resources for us at St. Mark’s School. He helps to provide the interpretation and understanding of test results so that we may make informed decisions in the recovery and return-to-activity process. His advisement is crucial through this process and we are thankful for his level of professionalism and customized approach in caring for members of our community.”
Carrie Deisenroth, ATC Head Athletic Trainer
St. Mark’s School, Southborough, MA
“I have learned more about concussions & head injuries in working with Dr. McGrath for the past two years than I have in the 30 years in Athletic Training. The implementation of a testing program has been an enlightening experience for us in both athletic training and our academic community. Simply having access to the test results alone is not enough. You have to have an experienced expert to interpret the results in order to make informed decisions on returning athletes to participation and to the classroom. Having to work without this tool or the expertise of Dr. McGrath would be like to having to come to work blindfolded.”
Ellen A. Malloy, M.Ed., ATC, LAT Head Athletic Trainer
Thayer Academy, Braintree, MA
“I must say that in the beginning I was slightly skeptical about the reliability of consulting doctors an ocean away. After a week, I was no longer skeptical. The system that is Sports Concussion New England works on many levels.”
“First, I appreciate your acknowledgement of the role of an Athletic Trainer in concussion management as well as my on-site knowledge of the student athletes’ as individuals. It is clear that teamwork is a key ingredient of what makes SCNE work.”
“Secondly, the communication level and accessibility of everyone at SCNE is astounding. The consulting clinical neuropsychologists speak in easy to understand and easy to share language in a extremely timely manner. This has been invaluable in several ‘tough,’ long lasting concussion situations. Our parents have appreciated clear, scientific information explaining the nuances of their child’s test results. I have appreciated the reliability of quick interpretations and return to play recommendations based on test results and subjective information from the “ground” (e.g. self-reported symptoms, teacher reported academic work and parental behavioral anecdotes).”
“And finally, and perhaps most importantly, I have the utmost respect and trust in SCNE’s clinical knowledge of concussions and interpretation of test results. It is with confidence that I am able to state SCNE’s longevity and stellar track record in concussion management as integral part of our overall concussion management protocol. This has proved especially useful in cases where there was no baseline and the student athlete has a differing learning ability such as ADD.”
“SCNE is clearly in the fore-front of concussion management for student athletes–this is especially evident living in London where concussion management is laughable at best. Our families expect the best level of care for their children and SCNE helps us provide that care in a international environment that does not value the importance of concussion management in athletics.”
Jennifer E. Newell, Certified Athletic Trainer | The American School in London