Page 16 of Risky Move

The physician nodded toward his office. “Help yourself to coffee or soda.”

“Caffeine sounds good.” Tom grabbed a Coke from the small refrigerator in the office, then took the seat Forster indicated.

“We’ve an opportunity you may find interesting.” Forster reached across his desk to grab a piece of paper before sitting beside Tom. “The Suns wish to hire a neurologist to help evaluate players—on either team—who may sustain a concussion during the game.”

“A concussion spotter?”

“No, they wish to take it one step further. The league will continue to monitor games for signs that a player needs assessment for the concussion protocol. The Suns want to ensure no player steps back on the ice without a neurological assessment.”

“Good for them. The league’s rules leave room for misinterpretation—with the play-at-all-costs mentality among some players. I’ve seen guys playing who had no business on the ice.”

“That’s why I thought about you for the position. Your residency is winding down. I know you’re exploring options. If this enhances your chances of staying here in Tampa, we’ll work around the game schedule.” Forster’s smile bordered on a smirk. “You’d also get to see your brother play more frequently.”

“I’m in,” Tom replied without hesitation. “I want to stay in Tampa—just waiting for the hospital to offer a full-time position.”

“You don’t want to enter private practice? I know you have multiple offers.” The surprise in his voice caused Tom to shake his head.

“Dan, I like what I’m doing now. No two days are alike. I enjoy rotating through the ER, ICU, step-down, and post-injury therapy. I knew that from watching Andrew progress through the program. You stayed involved until we cleared him to play.”

“I’ll have an offer put together in a few days. Consider each department—you may gravitate to a particular area. ER/ICU, for example. Or even a teaching supervisor for the new residents. Make your wishes known—this is the time to think about yourself,” Dan advised.

He stood and Tom followed. “In the meantime, I’ll get back to the Suns. You realize, Dr. Chadwick, that some of your decisions may cause some dissension among the players and coaches?”

Tom laughed. “They wouldn’t play hockey without the mindset of playing through pain…blurred vision…unsteadiness…” He held his hand out to his mentor. “I’ll check with Andrew, see if he has any objections. But I can handle the verbal abuse. My brother desensitized me before I reached my teens.”

* * *

Tom entered the house and found Andrew attempting to calm two furious babies. “What have you done with my nephew and niece?” He grabbed Jenna and held her against his shoulder, looking at his brother with a snicker.

Andrew scowled as he stood with Daniel. “Caryn thinks it’s a combination of the vaccine yesterday and teething today. They were fine until about thirty minutes ago.”

Tom winced. “Did you give them some Tylenol?”

“Yes, Dr. Turner recommended something to rub on their gums, so she’s gone to the pharmacy.”

“Each by itself can make them upset, but combined, you have two very uncomfortable children.”

“No kidding. Caryn would have postponed the shots if she had an inkling that teething would flare up.” Andrew kissed Daniel’s forehead. “You’re exhausted, little buddy. How about a walk around the pool?”

Jenna had also calmed, so Tom followed his brother out to the pool deck. The sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a comfortable shade over the lanai. “Andrew, did you know the Suns want to hire a neurologist as their concussion specialist during home games?”

“No, but that’s a good idea. The concussion spotters the league hires have limitations. Most are trainers, not doctors. How’d you learn that?” Andrew glanced at Tom.

“Dan said the Suns want to partner with the hospital’s neurology department. Once he signed off on the idea, they discussed the staffing. He offered me the part-time gig. I said yes, unless you had objections.”

“Why would I object, Tom? I know to take concussions seriously.”

“Even if I decide Reese Ekstrom needs to come out of a game?” Tom referred to the team’s all-star goaltender. “Or your top center or D-man? Will you get shit from your teammates when I sideline someone from playing?”

Andrew shrugged. “Probably. But, if you think there’s cause for concern, then they’ll just have to deal with it. I have no problem if that happens.”

“So, the coach and training staff told Dan. But I know how intense you guys get during a game. You might get some resentment from your teammates. I’d do the same function for the visiting team.”

Andrew glanced at him with a speculative expression. “So, we could bribe you to pull the starting goaltender before a game goes into overtime?”

“You could try, but I wouldn’t. Think of me like Switzerland during the game.”

Andrew sat on a chair and nodded at the one beside him. He set Daniel on his legs and bumped him up and down. “That’s not a full-time job.”

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