July 29, 2005

MGH cares for another Boston sports team

In the 1970s, Boston had a professional tennis team, the Boston Lobsters. After a 25-year absence from the professional circuit, the Lobsters have returned this year, and they have selected MGH neurologist Bruce Price, MD, to be the team physician.

Price, who also is the chief of Neurology at McLean Hospital, is no stranger to the game of tennis. He played competitively for Harvard University and as a Junior Davis Cup team member and has a special understanding of the physical and mental rigors of the sport. As head team physician, Price's expertise is head and neck injuries — including concussive and brain trauma as well as nerve-related issues. For bone and joint-related medical concerns, he is supported by Thomas Gill, MD, of MGH Orthopædics and team physician for the Boston Red Sox, and Kai Mithofer, MD, a Boston orthopedist who trained at the MGH.

The Lobsters are one of 12 World Team Tennis teams, each comprising two male and two female players. The players, who compete in co-ed matches, are selected by draft, just as in any other professional sport, and include some of the best-known names in the tennis world.

Lobsters players include James Blake, a two-time All-American for Harvard University, and Martina Navratilova, (pictured above with Price) holder of 20 Wimbledon titles and a member of the original Boston Lobsters squad. "Since childhood I've dreamed of winning Wimbledon and the US Open," says Price. "Now I'm taking care of the actual winners."

The Lobsters are the fifth of Boston's professional sports teams to bring their care to the MGH, following the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins, the New England Revolution and the Boston Red Sox.