Thom Mayer

MD, FACEP

 Thom Mayer, MD, is a prominent figure in the fields of emergency medicine, sports medicine, and leadership in times of crisis. He has built a distinguished career focused on athlete health, safety, and emergency response, making significant contributions to both clinical practice and medical education.

Dr. Mayer has served as a medical director for various professional sports teams and events, including the NFL Players Association, where he has played a crucial role in developing and implementing protocols for player safety and injury management. His expertise has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of concussion management and emergency care in sports. He has worked closely with athletes, coaches, and medical teams to ensure that best practices are followed, enhancing the overall safety of participants in high-risk sports. He was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Mayer is an educator and has authored numerous articles and publications on topics related to emergency medicine and sports health. His commitment to improving medical practices in athletics has led him to engage in training programs for emergency responders and medical personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle medical emergencies in sports settings.

Dr. Mayer's influence extends beyond the field; he is also involved in advocacy for better medical standards and policies in sports organizations. His work emphasizes the importance of athlete welfare and the need for comprehensive medical oversight in sporting events.

Dr. Mayer has had a highly successful career as an entrepreneur, having founded, grown, and sold Best Practices (an elite group of emergency physicians) and Physicians Transport Service (an interhospital transport group of paramedics and EMTs).  This entrepreneurial experience has made him a recognized expert in growing and selling businesses.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mayer has been recognized as a national leader in patient safety, emergency department management, and leading through adversity. His contributions during national crises have been particularly notable. For example, he played a significant role in organizing emergency response teams during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

He is a prolific speaker and author, having written or contributed to more than 100 publications, including textbooks on emergency medicine, leadership, and patient safety. His thought leadership in healthcare has made him a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from medical leadership to operational excellence in emergency services.

In addition to his work with the NFLPA and BestPractices, Dr. Mayer holds academic appointments, lectures at various institutions, and has earned numerous awards for his service and contributions to healthcare.

Dr. Mayer is celebrated for his commitment to improving both emergency medical care and athlete safety, blending clinical expertise with innovative leadership in healthcare settings.

 

 

Key Roles and Contributions:

Medical Director, NFL Players Association (NFLPA)
Founder, BestPractices, Inc.
Leadership in Crisis Response, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and COVID-19
Author & Speaker, with extensive publications on emergency medicine, leadership, customer experience, and patient safety