COLUMBUS — Mississippi University for Women announced the start of an official partnership with Columbus Orthopaedic on Thursday, with the local healthcare organization further endearing itself to local athletics.
The W’s press release states: “As Columbus Orthopaedics continues to expand its footprint in Columbus, the collaboration with Owls Athletics represents a shared commitment to fostering excellence – both on and off the field – together championing the health and vitality of our community for years to come.”
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“We are thrilled and excited to have Columbus Orthopaedics become our official provider for our athletic training-related needs,” MUW Director of Athletics Buddy Foster said of the partnership. “While they have been a part of the ‘Owls’ Family’ and provided some services to our student-athletes in the past, this new partnership takes the care that our team members will receive from them to the next level.”
Columbus Orthopaedic has served as the on-site medical team for Mississippi State athletic events for just over three decades, offering care in the training room and on the sideline, and that partnership service now exists with The W as well. The organization proudly pointed to that relationship with MSU on Wednesday when announcing this new partnership.
“Having served as team physicians for Mississippi State University for the past 30 years, it was a natural step for us to extend the same level of care to athletes at The W,” said Dr. Aaron Mullane, an orthopedic surgeon with Columbus Orthopaedics. “And we couldn’t be more excited for this partnership!”
Athletics returned to The W in 2017 after nearly two decades of hiatus. The program entered its first year as a member of the NCAA with Division III status in 2023 and is a full member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The university now offers seven sports for men and eight for women.
As sports have returned to The W the university now has more on-site support from Columbus Orthopaedics, an organization that expressed great joy to further its involvement in the community it has served for nearly 50 years.
“This partnership is a testament to our dedication to the community of Columbus and beyond,” Jamey Locke, CEO at Columbus Orthopaedics, added. “We are honored to support Mississippi University for Women’s athletes, empowering them to achieve peak performance while prioritizing their long-term health and well-being.”
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