Why Protecting the Body Protects the Dream with Dr. Mary Morgan McLeod

Sports have always been more than just competition. For young athletes, the field, the court, or the pool becomes a place where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance are forged. But as much as we celebrate the victories, there’s a hidden battle often overlooked: the fight to protect the body that carries the dream.

The pressure to “get ahead” often pushes young athletes too hard, leading to injuries that can cost more than a season, they can cost a future. True success comes from prevention and care. Rest, good nutrition, and smart training may not be flashy, but they build the strength that lasts. Even setbacks like sprains or concussions remind us that healing takes time and patience. The greatest athletes aren’t defined by early wins, but by resilience, passion, and the willingness to grow.

The true goal goes beyond winning today’s game. It’s about protecting the gift of health, cultivating discipline, and building a foundation strong enough to carry dreams into adulthood. In sports and in life, the victories that last are the ones rooted in preparation, patience, and perspective.

Dr. Mary Morgan McLeod is the host of Southern Remedy Kids & Teens and serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She provides trusted guidance on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, offering clarity on topics ranging from physical growth and development to mental health and lifestyle choices. Through her work, Dr. McLeod empowers families to make informed decisions that support lifelong health.

On this milestone episode of Time Out with the Sports Doctor, I reflect on the journey of building this community on mindset, assets, and success. To celebrate this milestone, I had the opportunity to be the featured guest on Southern Remedy Kids & Teens with Dr. Mary McLeod. We discussed sports medicine, covering common youth injuries, the importance of early diagnosis and rehab, as well as prevention, training, and the vital role of conditioning and nutrition in long-term health. This conversation brings together the heart of why I started this podcast: to educate, empower, and equip others with tools for success both on and off the field.

“Many times we focus so much on getting the athlete back to the field, and we’re not really thinking long term about their health 10 or 20 years down the road.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Celebrating 200 episodes of growth and gratitude

(00:02:10) The career journey of Dr. Derrick Burgess

(00:05:05) The role of UMC sports clinics for families and athletes

(00:09:06) Gender differences in injuries

(00:10:27) Are you more injury prone for turf versus grass? 

(00:11:26) Keys to injury prevention

(00:13:45) Overuse injuries and their long term effects

(00:15:50) When braces and KT tape help and when they don’t

(00:16:46) Advertisement: Struggling with your finances as a young physician? Doc2Doc Lending is here for you. Founded by doctors, we offer loans tailored to your unique career path—crediting your certifications and specialty training. Visit https://www.doc2doclending.com/ today.

(00:20:02) When to specialize in one sport (and when not to)

(00:21:03) Swimming and cross-training for long-term strength

(00:22:43) Recruiters seek overall athleticism

(00:24:52) Healing ankle sprains the right way

(00:27:51) Concussions and safe return-to-play steps

(00:31:34) Why kids need extra care after fractures

Key Takeaways:  

“You’ve been able to watch me grow, being able to watch me transform, and hopefully at the same time, being able to learn information to help you do the same.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

“It’s amazing to just watch God orchestrate things and how His plan comes together through these episodes with the timing.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

“It takes everyone to really care for the athlete.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

“Many times during the season people completely forget about the weight room, but strengthening is important.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

“Swimming is a good sport for your cardiac workout and it helps you get a full-body workout.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

“The concussion is a sudden injury to the brain that usually leads to change of consciousness, but sometimes just mood changes, headaches, or sleeping disorders.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

Connect with Dr. Mary Morgan McLeod: 

Email: mmcleod@umc.edu 

Website: https://www.umc.edu/Faculty/Mcleod_Mary_M

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.