No-cost sports physicals offered for student athletes

Ochsner Lafayette General supporting healthy, safe participation for student athletes across Acadiana.

LAFAYETTE, La. — The Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedics & Sports team will provide no-cost sports physicals on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 3-5:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, located at 4212 W. Congress St. 

Sports physicals will be administered by more than 60 Ochsner team members including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, athletic trainers and physical therapists. This event is open to students attending any school in the Acadiana region, not just those that partner with Ochsner Lafayette General.  

Students are encouraged to arrive during their school’s scheduled time slots, which is organized to manage large group arrivals. However, no student athlete will be turned away if they arrive before 5:30 p.m. Annual sports physicals are required for participation in all Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) schools.  

“Last year, we provided sports physicals to 620 student athletes. Year after year, we see just how impactful this event is for student athletes and families across Acadiana,” said JD Boudreaux, director of sports medicine at Ochsner Lafayette General. “Providing no‑cost sports physicals helps remove barriers to participation and ensures young athletes can safely prepare for the season ahead. Annual physicals are an important part of protecting an athlete’s health, identifying potential concerns early and giving families peace of mind before competition begins.” 

To participate, students must bring a completed LHSAA medical evaluation form, signed by a parent or guardian, regardless of the student’s age. 

Sports physicals help young athletes begin their season prepared and ready to compete. The physicals will include: 

• Height and weight measurement 
• Blood pressure and pulse check 
• Flexibility screening 
• General medical exam 
• Orthopedic exam 

Physicals are valid for 13 months, allowing student athletes to meet eligibility requirements for a full school year. 

About Ochsner Lafayette General   
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (Ochsner LGMC); Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital; Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; Ochsner St. Martin Hospital; Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics (Ochsner UHC); Ochsner Acadia General Hospital; Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital; Ochsner American Legion Hospital; and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines. To learn more, visit Ochsner.org/Lafayette.