WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman, one of the nation’s top players, has been medically cleared and is available to play this weekend in Wake Forest’s football game at Vanderbilt.
The decision by Wake Forest University doctors comes after Hartman successfully completed a comprehensive series of medical evaluations and has progressed appropriately in the Demon Deacons sports medicine staff’s return to play protocol.
Wake Forest Sports Medicine operates autonomously under the auspices of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, one of the nation’s leading health care providers.
Head Coach Dave Clawson spoke on Hartman being cleared to play.
"Sam developed a blood clot in the subclavian vein. This condition is known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or effort thrombosis. We suspect this happened as a result of a previous infection that eventually caused inflammation," Dr. Julie Freischlag, Sam's doctor said. “After our diagnosis on August 9, we first did a procedure to remove the blood clot. Secondly, we performed surgery to eliminate the pressure on the vein and then dilated the vein."
Freischlag said doctors did another follow-up ultrasound last Friday on Sam and everything looked great.
"The clot was gone, the blood flow was good and he felt great. Blood thinner therapies were discontinued once they became medically unnecessary and he is medically cleared to return to full competition," she said. “Sam is a wonderful young man and I, and our entire team, wish him all the best as he returns to the football field.”
Hartman said the process overall has made him appreciate all the people at Wake Forest University and around their football program for how the care they show student-athletes.
"I am very appreciative of Dr. Julie Freischlag, Dr. Matthew Goldman, Niles Fleet and everyone on our medical staff who worked with me throughout this process. There will be time for me to tell my complete story, but right now I am just really excited to get back on the field with my teammates and compete each day to help our team get ready for Vanderbilt this Saturday in Nashville. Let’s get it, Deacs," he said.
Head Football Coach Dave Clawson gave words of appreciation to Hartman.
"As I said from the beginning, Sam Hartman’s return to the field would be left up to our medical professionals. As a two-time captain and someone who is one of the finest leaders I have had the pleasure to coach, Sam attacked this rehabilitation process and it has been really special to see how everyone inside and out of our program supported Sam since the announcement last month," Clawson said. "I’m grateful to our head athletics trainer Niles Fleet, team doctor Chris Miles and appreciate the personal attention of the Dean of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Dr. Julie Freischlag, to help Sam."
Director of Athletics John Currie said the health safety of Wake Forest student-athletes is number one priority.
"All of our student-athletes have the advantage of world class medical care thanks to the leadership of Niles Fleet and our athletics training staff, team doctor Chris Miles and the collaboration and expertise of Dr. Julie Freischlag and everyone at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist," Currie said. "Sam is a model student-athlete and I know his teammates are excited about his return to the field."
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