PULLMAN, WA – Washington State University Athletics has partnered with Pullman Regional Hospital (PRH) in a four-year agreement to enhance healthcare services for Cougar student-athletes, officials announced.
The agreement, initiated last August, includes expanded sports medicine and mental health services, providing year-round on-campus clinics with extended hours, additional physician coverage for athletic events, and continued care options for former student-athletes. The partnership also offers training opportunities in sports medicine for WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and PRH Family Medicine Residency participants.
Dr. Ed Tingstad, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician with Inland Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Clinic, serves as the inaugural Medical Director of WSU student-athlete healthcare. Dr. Tingstad, a long-serving team physician for WSU, oversees the program’s healthcare services.
As part of the expanded services, PRH staff are stationed within WSU athletic facilities, including the WSU Champions Center, which officially opened on February 19, 2025. The Champions Center houses a range of student-athlete resources, such as academic support, professional development services, and mental health counseling.
Among the recent additions to the healthcare team are Josh Clein, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and Dr. Justin Martel, Clinical Psychologist, who will provide mental health services at the Champions Center. Both bring extensive experience working with young adults and athletes, focusing on reducing stigma and offering personalized care.
Sports medicine physicians Dr. Jesse Shaw and Dr. Michael Osterholt also support WSU Athletics, providing injury diagnosis, treatment, and on-site care during games and practices. Both physicians are affiliated with Inland Orthopaedics of Pullman for additional patient care.
PRH CEO Matt Forge highlighted the partnership’s significance for the community and WSU Athletics. “We’re so grateful to help our WSU student-athletes compete at an elite level and proud of the support we can provide through some of our best people,” Forge said. “As our partnership with WSU continues to grow, we elevate our regional impact.”