July 21, 2023
Elizabeth M. Pieroth, PsyD, ABPP, MPH, Director of the Concussion Program at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, has been named concussion consultant to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
“I am thrilled to have even a small part in the care of these amazing athletes,” Dr. Pieroth says.
The NWSL has shown great success and exponential growth over the last few years. There are currently twelve teams in the league, including the Chicago Red Stars. Three more teams will join the league by 2025.
Along with NWSL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cindy Chang, Dr. Pieroth is responsible for creating the concussion protocol for the league. She is also tasked with directing the neuropsychology consultants for each team.
“We have ensured that our league concussion protocol is based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence on recognizing and managing concussions,” Dr. Pieroth explains. “Our new protocol is also consistent with the other U.S. professional sports leagues. This is such an exciting time for women’s professional sports. Dr. Chang, the other NWSL consultants, and I are dedicated to making sure these athletes received the best available medical care.”
Along with her work with the NWSL, Dr. Pieroth is the co-director of the NFL Neuropsychology Consultants Program and is the concussion specialist for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Fire Soccer Club, Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Hounds, Rockford IceHogs, and Indy Fuel. She is a Board Member of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois and a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee, the US Soccer Sports Medicine Research Advisory Panel, and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois Safety Committee.
