Texas Border Business
PHARR – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Athletic Trainers are providing on-campus physical exams for students at 12 PSJA middle schools and high schools the entire month. These on-campus physicals are a convenient and low-cost option for families.
Every year, all PSJA ISD Athletes, Cheerleaders, and Dance students have been required to get their physical before starting in the sport. This is the first year physicals are also being required for Marching Band students.
“We want to make it as convenient as possible [for our students] and give them the highest quality physical that we can,” said PSJA Coordinator for Athletic Trainers Jeffery Darr.
The physicals are $10, about half the cost of a private doctor’s visit at $25-50, according to Darr. However, students may also attend their regular doctor for the physical if they choose to.
These low-cost physicals are possible thanks to partnerships with DHR Health and the UTRGV School of Medicine. Physician Assistants from DHR and faculty and students from UTRGV’s School of Medicine volunteer their time to work alongside the district’s athletic trainers and nurses.
This year the district trainers are also making electrocardiograms (EKGs) available to students for only $10 in addition to the low-cost, on-campus physicals.
“The EKG allows for the heart to be viewed from different angles and can identify potential genetic [signs of heart disease],” said Darr.
For more information about the PSJA Physicals/EKG’s please contact the Athletic Trainers office at (956) 354-2223. Students who need their physical for the 2019-2020 school year can sign up with their coach.
The PSJA ISD on-campus physicals are voluntary. Students may also go to their own doctor if they choose to.
