Athletic Training & Sports Medicine
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's Sports Medicine Program, in partnership with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, provides comprehensive care designed to keep athletes healthy, active, and performing at their best. Through a focus on injury prevention, early injury recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation, our team supports student-athletes at every stage of their athletic journey, helping them safely return to play and achieve their full potential.
About Our Athletic Training
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center provides:
- Athletic training services to local high schools, colleges, local tournaments, and other events/organizations.
- Physical therapy, including sports-specific rehabilitation from physical therapists and certified athletic trainers at the Summit Healthplex outpatient rehab center, (716)298-5903.
- A 24/7 sports medicine hotline, (716)803-5943 for contact with the Director of Sports Medicine/Summit Rehab Manager.
- UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Niagara Concussion clinic for baseline testing, concussion management, and a safe return to play, (716)204-3200.
- NYS First Aid and American Heart Association Heartsaver AED training for coaches at NCCC.
- Sports Medicine physician access: Direct access to Dr. Clayton Del Prince, Dr. William Wind and Dr. Jesse Fodero from UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine for immediate consultation at the Summit Healthplex, (716)204-3200.
- The Competitive EDGE Sports Performance Program, (716)215-0723.
- Click here to read about the Competitive EDGE Program helping Wheatfield athletes improve their skills
Who We Serve
Colleges
High Schools
Concussion Clinic
A concussion is a brain injury that should never be ignored. Whether caused by sports, a fall, a motor vehicle accident, or another impact, prompt evaluation and proper management are essential for a safe recovery. The NFMMC Concussion Clinic provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and follow-up care for patients of all ages who have suffered a concussion.
Specialized Concussion Evaluation
Our multidisciplinary team works together to identify and manage the physical, cognitive, balance, vision, and vestibular issues that can result from a concussion. During your visit, you'll receive a comprehensive evaluation that may include physician assessment, exertional testing, and physical therapy and athletic training examinations designed to evaluate all systems affected by concussion.
Return to Learn, Work & Play
Recovery from a concussion is different for every patient. Our team develops individualized treatment plans that help patients safely return to school, work, sports, and everyday activities. Through ongoing monitoring and follow-up evaluations, we ensure patients progress safely through each stage of recovery before returning to full activity.
Care for Athletes and Active Individuals
As part of NFMMC's Sports Medicine program and partnership with UB Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, the Concussion Clinic provides specialized concussion management for student-athletes, collegiate athletes, and active adults. Services include concussion assessment, management, baseline testing, and return-to-play guidance to help reduce the risk of further injury.
Expert Care Close to Home
Our goal is simple: provide the education, treatment, and support patients need to recover fully and safely. Whether you're experiencing symptoms days after an injury or need clearance to return to sports, work, or school, our concussion specialists are here to help.

What to Watch For
After a concussion, it is important to closely monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or become severe. Warning signs may include:
- Difficulty remembering recent events or important information
- Severe or worsening headache
- Neck stiffness
- Bleeding or clear fluid from the ears or nose
- Confusion, unusual behavior, or changes in mental status
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, poor balance, or unsteadiness
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Seizures or convulsions
- Unequal pupil size
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
If any of these symptoms occur or worsen, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. Avoid taking pain-relieving medications unless directed by a physician, as they may mask serious symptoms.
What to Expect at the Concussion Clinic
The NFMMC Concussion Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and management for patients recovering from a concussion. During your visit, you may receive:
- A thorough evaluation by a sports medicine physician
- Exertional testing to assess symptoms and guide safe physical activity
- A personalized exercise and recovery plan
- Diagnostic imaging, if medically necessary
- A comprehensive physical therapy assessment to evaluate balance, vision, vestibular function, strength, and other systems affected by concussion
- Follow-up visits to monitor recovery progress
- Guidance for safely returning to school, work, sports, and daily activities
Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure each patient receives individualized care and a safe return to the activities that matter most.
After a Concussion
To support recovery, patients should:
- Monitor symptoms carefully
- Avoid sports and strenuous physical activity until medically cleared
- Keep track of when symptoms resolve
- Follow all recommendations from their healthcare team
- Understand that returning to sports, work, or other activities requires medical clearance
Early evaluation and proper management can help reduce recovery time and lower the risk of further injury.
Our Providers
Our Trainers
Anthony Surace
M.Ed., ATC
Director of Sports Medicine & Summit Rehab Manager
Niagara Falls High School Athletic Trainer
Henry Luczak
ATC, CSCS, CEAS
Assistant Director of Sports Medicine, NFMMC Niagara County Community College Athletic Trainer
Laura Ranieri
MS, ATC, PES
Kenmore West High School
Sara Minton
MS, ATC
Niagara Falls High School
Samara Johnson
MS, ATC
Grand Island
Melissa Donato
MS, ATC
Tonawanda High School
Caleb Hancock
MS, ATC
Ken East High School
Joe Lojewski
MS, ATC
Niagara Wheatfield High School
Ana Salgado-Taylor
Hon BA, ATC, CAT(C)
Charter School Of Applied Technology
Joe Lojewski
Joe Lojewski
MS, ATC
Darren Vukovic
MS, ATC
North Tonawanda High School




































