The National Football League Players Association has appointed Sidney Hinds, MD, as its first chief health equity officer.
Dr. Hinds will work in health and safety advocacy for the organization, monitoring medical staff care, analyzing health and safety data, and advocating for equity and fairness within the NFL healthcare system.
Dr. Hinds is a neurologist and nuclear medicine physician who served as a colonel in the U.S. Army. He has worked in military medicine and care for 30 years.
In his new role, Dr. Hinds will work alongside the league's deputy medical director, Thom Mayer, MD.
"It is an honor to serve as the NFLPA’s first chief health equity officer in working to ensure that all of our player members have access to the best care and information for their health and safety," Dr. Hinds said in an Oct. 20 press release from the NFL. "This sport features some of the best doctors and medical professionals in the world, and I am excited to partner with them to advocate for the type of advancement and breakthrough – particularly in the area of neuroscience – that will benefit not only athletes, but also their families and surrounding community members."