Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Staff

Olivia Dixon started at Hershey School District as an Athletic Trainer in the fall of 2023. She went to Lebanon Valley College for her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise science and her Master’s Degree in Athletic Training. After graduation, she moved to Baltimore County and worked with middle and high school athletics at Concordia Preparatory School in Towson, MD. She now resides in her hometown of Steelton, PA. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, and reading. Olivia is excited to work with the Hershey Sports Medicine team and be part of the Hershey family.

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Nikki Stone is originally from York, PA but recently moved to the Hershey area. She went to Shenandoah University for my Bachelors degree in Exercise Science while also playing softball there. Nikki continued her education at Slippery Rock University for her Masters degree in Athletic Training. Outside of work, Nikki loves to read, go to the gym and hangout with my friends and family. She is excited to join the Hershey family and work alongside some of the best people around!

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Matthew Silvis, MD - Primary Care Sports Medicine Team Physician
Dr. Silvis has been a Sports Medicine Physician for DTSD since 2010. He is the Director of Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, graduated from Pennsylvania State College of Medicine in 2002. He then completed a Family Medicine Residency at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. After residency, Dr. Silvis practiced wilderness medicine in rural Wyoming before returning to Wake Forest where he completed a fellowship in primary care sports medicine. Dr. Silvis is currently an Associate Professor in the Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and medical director of primary care sports medicine. He also serves as team physician for the Hershey Bears Hockey Club. He has special interests in the care of endurance athletes, exercise, and concussion. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Silvis enjoys hiking, mountain biking, running, and photography. He lives in Hershey with his wife, Christine, and their two sons, Nicholas and Benjamin. Dr. Silvis clears all concussions sustained by any DTSD athlete and is available for sports injury consultations. The Athletic Trainers coordinate care and appointments with Dr. Silvis.

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About Athletic Trainers

Facts About Certified Athletic Trainers:

Medical professionals who are experts in injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, particularly in the orthopedic and musculoskeletal disciplines
Have at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training, which is an allied health profession
Must pass a national certification exam before earning the ATC credential
Must keep their skills current by participating in continuing education
ATC's work under the direct supervision of a physician
Licensed under PA State Board of Medicine
ATC's collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of athletes

Athletic Trainers are available after school to provide:

Assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes as well as first aid, treatment and proper referrals when appropriate
Physical rehabilitation services
Management of emergency situations which may arise during athletic practices and events
Coordination of care with Primary Care Physicians, Orthopedic Physicians and Physical Therapist

Concussion Management

Hershey's Student-Athletes have a unique privilege to be under the supervision of the doctors at the Penn State Concussion Program at Hershey Medical Center.

Student-athletes who have been diagnosed with a concussion will be monitored daily by the Athletic Trainers. They will complete a "Symptom Score" sheet that includes 22 different signs and symptoms people may experience with concussions. Headache, dizziness, disruption of sleep, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as difficulty concentrating in school are among the most commonly recorded symptoms. Every concussion is different and will present slightly differently. The typical return-to-sport time is about a week to 10 days, but as every concussion presents differently, they all heal differently as well.

While healing, athletes are encouraged to avoid activities that increase their symptoms and get plenty of "brain rest". This includes little-to-no video games, texting, computer time, and reading...all of these activities require the eyes to intently focus on the activity...and usually increase symptoms. If watching television or movies doesn't bother the individual, they are permitted to do so, as these activities usually allow the brain to "zone out".

Once the athletes are symptom-free through an entire day of school (without taking pain relief medication), they will wait 24-48 hours before taking the post-injury ImPACT test, just to make sure there are no lingering symptoms. Athletes in higher-risk, contact sports are required to take this baseline prior to the start of the season. We will use this baseline to compare the post-injury scores against to make a determination as to whether or not the athlete has fully healed cognitively. This tool, along with a visit from Dr. Silvis, will help to make the final decision on progressing with the return to play protocol.

Our standard return to play protocol involves the following steps, each performed progressively with approximately 24 hours in between each step. If any concussion-like symptoms occur during a phase, it is immediately stopped and the Athletic Trainer will wait an appropriate amount of time before attempting this phase again.

Phase 1: Exertion (cardiovascular activity in a controlled environment; usually running on a treadmill)
Phase 2: No contact, sports-specific activities
Phase 3: Light contact, sports-specific activities/light practice (no live scrimmage)
Phase 4: Full contact, full practice, including live scrimmage
Phase 5: Return to game

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion:

Brain Rest:

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