You may think that Gary Nichols, MD, eats, drinks and sleeps sports. And you may be pretty close to the truth. Ever since he founded his high school ski team, individual sports have been a major part of his life. And he's managed to blend his love of sports with his work as a pediatrician at Partners in Pediatrics. In 2002, Dr. Nichols became the 53rd person to be certified in sports medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics.
In order to be certified, a physician needs to have extensive documentation of experience in treating sports injuries. He needs references from experts in the field. Only then can he take the test to be certified.  There's definitely a need for expertise in sports medicine, according to Dr. Nichols. Over 30 million children under age 18 participate in sports each year in the United States. Of these, 3.2 million sustain sports-related injuries. This is at a cost of over 3.75 billion dollars.

Experts estimate that 50 percent of these injuries could be prevented. Dr. Nichols treats acute injuries as well as chronic sports ailments. He also can give advice on how sports relate to other childhood medical problems including cardiac defects, neurologic disorders and respiratory problems.
Dr. Nichols sees all kinds of sports injuries. He has had patients who compete at Olympic and International levels as well as middle/high school athletes, dancers, and musicians. The problems are wide ranging, from simple sprains and strains to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and exercise induced compartment syndrome.
Dr. Nichols is available for consultation at our Plymouth
office. To set up an appointment, call 763-520-1200.