title: Mass screenings at mass participation events: MedFest at Special Olympics.
abstract: MedFest events offer preparticipation physical evaluations to Special Olympics athletes. This free service can occur as free-standing events or can take place during Special Olympics Games. The goals of MedFest are to screen for conditions that are potentially life threatening or disabling or may predispose the athlete to injury or illness. The medication, cardiac, and neurologic histories are essential components of the evaluation. The majority of athletes screened during a MedFest event will be cleared for sports participation, but many will require some type of referral for further care. It is important for the organizers of the MedFest to have prearranged protocols to ensure that the athletes efficiently receive the required evaluations.
authors.affiliation: 1Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State University, State College, PA and 2Sports Medicine Fellowship, Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Penn State University, State College, PA.
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Seidenberg
authors.forename: Jason L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Eggers
mesh_terms: D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D056352:Athletes; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D064846:Sports for Persons with Disabilities