Steelers neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon recognized with research award

Dr. Joseph Maroon can add a prestigious research award to a résumé that includes 38 years as a neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maroon was given the Arthur C. Rettig Award for Academic Excellence, it was announced Friday, in recognition of research he presented at the NFL Physicians Society meeting in Indianapolis during the combine. Maroon’s presentation was titled, “The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment (HBOT) for Post-Concussion Syndrome, PTSD and Physical Performance Enhancement.”

“I am so honored to be given this incredible award in Dr. Rettig’s name, who has made such important contributions to player health and safety and sports medicine throughout his career,” Maroon said in a prepared statement. “Additionally, I am humbled to be recognized alongside a group of such impressive physicians who are truly giants in the field.”

The Rettig Award has been given annually since 2013 to an NFL team physician to recognize academic excellence in research advancing the health and safety of NFL players.

Now a consultant with the team, Maroon’s tenure as Steelers neurosurgeon dates to 1985. A clinical professor at UPMC, Maroon serves as vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience.

Maroon is the first neurosurgeon to receive the Rettig award.

“Dr. Maroon has been a longtime contributor to the NFL Physicians Society and has been a leader in the area of evaluation and management of concussions in football,” New York Giants head team physician and NFLPS Scientific meeting chairman Dr. Scott Rodeo said in a statement. “Dr. Maroon continues to evaluate innovative approaches to managing post concussive symptoms.”

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