Experience

The physicians at MIMA Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine have it. Dr. Thomas has serves as the Head Team Physician for the Washington Nationals and LPGA. Dr. DeJong joined the group after serving as the Chief of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center and having trained in Sports Medicine at West Point. The group has been involved in spring training for MLB, cares for the Brevard Manatees, and treats professional golfers. Dr. DeJong and Dr. Thomas have been named the Team Physicians for FIT and BCC. MIMA also provides care for several of the local area high schools, to include Melbourne High , Eau Galle High , Satellite High , Melbourne Central Catholic, Florida Air Academy and others.

What is Board Certification and is it Important?

• While medical licensure sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific. Board certification demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice. Board Certification signals a physician’s commitment and expertise in consistently achieving superior clinical outcomes in a responsive, patient-focused setting. Patients, physicians, healthcare providers, insurers and quality organizations look for Board Certification as the best measure of a physician’s knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within a given specialty.
• All of our physicians here at MIMA Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine are Board Certified. In addition, Dr. DeJong and Dr. Thomas have subspecialty certification in sports medicine, making them uniquely qualified to treat sports related problems.
• To learn more about Board Certification, visit the American Board of Medical Specialties web site at www.abms.org.

Do MIMA Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Physicians treat only competitive athletes?

MIMA Sports Medicine offers the most current treatment options for athletes at every level of participation, from professional to recreational. For the more aggressive or competitive athletes, our Sports Medicine Physicians have the training and experience to evaluate and treat those injuries and problems unique to athletic participation. For the “weekend warrior” or “industrial athlete” who experiences injury, the same expertise used to treat the competitive athlete can be applied to return that individual as quickly as possible to full function. Whether you are a competitive athlete or just want to stay active and pain free, our physicians can get you evaluated and treated, and keep you at the top of your game.

How do the Sports Medicine Physician and the Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine work together to care for the athlete?

Both are well trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports Medicine Physicians specialize in the non-operative medical treatment of musculoskeletal sports conditions. Orthopedic Surgeons specializing in Sports Medicine, or Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Physicians, are also trained in the operative treatment of these conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical, and Sports Medicine Physicians can manage the majority of these common problems experienced by the athlete with rehabilitation, activity modifications, or other treatment modalities. If operative intervention is required, however, then referral for surgical evaluation or treatment can be expedited. Common examples of musculoskeletal problems include acute and chronic injuries to the joints, muscles, and bones, such as shoulder tendonitis or instability, knee cartilage or ligament tear, or ankle pain or looseness.