Jagoda Janas: overseeing the safety of players [INTERVIEW]

Panthers Wroclaw is not just about dozens of players along with coaches, but also the medical staff. For many years, Jagoda Janas has been a team doctor for the Wrocław Panthers. What is her role in the team? What does the work in the medical staff involve? And what situations does she encounter during her work?

Filip Skalski: What does the work of a club doctor involve?

Jagoda Janas: In short - I oversee the safety of players during matches, although not only that. In addition, I also deal with medical procedures, such as pain management, and help our players cope with minor injuries. Since Panthers joined the European League of Football, I am also responsible for clearing players for the game. Every player before the season must undergo examinations, based on which I assess whether they can participate in the league from a health perspective.

Have there been situations where you did not clear a player for the game?

Not before the season, but during the season, I have often had to withdraw a player due to an injury. Unfortunately, this happens quite frequently in our sport. In such cases, the player goes on the injured list, or IR, for a minimum of three rounds, and after this period, I am responsible for reassessment and the decision on whether they can return to the game - of course, if their health allows it.

It's a responsible task - last season, such a situation occurred with Matthew Vitale, for example. Do you consult with the coach in such cases?

I collaborate with both the medical and coaching staff. Some decisions can be made together, taking into account the risk of excluding a significant player, but it is always primarily my decision and responsibility. That's why I expose myself to the player's or fans' anger for not allowing them to play, but I always have to prioritize their well-being and health.

How has your work changed since joining Artur Hnida and Sebastian Krupa's team?

Significantly - especially considering our beginnings when it did not look as professional as it does now. In the Polish league, aspects such as clearing players or taking care of them during matches were never sanctioned in any way. We are still the only football team in Poland that has someone like a team doctor. However, even before the ELF, I was present at every Panthers game because we started implementing it ourselves.

Currently, we have physiotherapists available 24/7, and we have the support of Dr. Sebastian Krupa - that is a significant difference. Previously, if a player got injured, for example, suspected damage to the skeletal system or concussion, I independently conducted the initial examination, aiming to rule out acute conditions. However, if the player needed further rehabilitation or hospital treatment, the situation was more complicated. One person cannot do everything, and now, if a player needs rehabilitation, Artur Hnida takes care of it entirely, and if surgery or qualification for it is needed, it's Sebastian Krupa's decision. We have taken a big step forward in this regard. Such a system should be in place in every team.

What do you do at the club outside the season?

There is, of course, much less work. I have much less to do with the players - only in cases that urgently require my assessment. Currently, these are non-football-related matters because training hasn't really started yet. Much more happens during the season and just before it starts. However, soon we will start conducting initial examinations.

Throughout all these seasons, have there been situations that particularly stuck in your memory?

It's hard for me to point out specific ones. I remember that when we were still playing in the Polish league, one of our rivals, Krakow Kings, lost consciousness after colliding with Ernest Rogowicz. There were also very unpleasant injuries requiring hospital transport, such as fractures. I also remember Maxime Rouyer's concussion during a game in Berlin when he didn't fully know what was happening and wanted to return to the field, but the coaches prohibited it. Thankfully, I don't remember any major, more dangerous situations, and fortunately, I have never been needed during a match as a cardiologist, although dangerous situations related to the circulatory system even occur in the NFL. The presence of a cardiologist, which I am by education, is, however, significant protection for the players. Thanks to having both an orthopedic specialist and a cardiologist in the team, the players are protected from every angle. Also, my experience in the emergency department allows me to detect life-threatening situations fairly early, and I have skills that can be very helpful at that time. However, we are talking about extremely rare cases.

What gives the club doctor the greatest satisfaction?

I don't limit our cooperation to just being a doctor. First and foremost, I love American football itself, I am excited about this sport, and I like watching it. I think that's mainly why I chose this job. It's my hobby, and currently, I can't imagine not doing it. I care about the team's success, and that gives me the greatest satisfaction.

What do you wish for in the upcoming season?

Besides health, of course, I wish us the European League of Football championship!