Holeshot Magazine
Interview by Shand Garcia
Photos by Kenny Lau

For our second BRAAP TALK in a row, we are showcasing a company that is not your regular motorcycle related industry company. However this company is in the line of work and offers a different kind of product that unfortunately all of us have had or will need in the future. This by far, may very well be the most important BRAAP TALK of all - this is a must read for all riders and racers alike!



Is there a doctor in the house??? Meet The Sanders' Clinic -
Dr. Mark Sanders -- Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine

Dr. Sanders, your story is like a dream come true for our readers. Doctors are usually not on our side, as far as understanding the passion we have for this dangerous sport. All of our lives we dirtbike riders have been told to "Stay away from those dangerous bikes. Get a new hobby, etc etc, etc..." It's rare a rider will go see a doctor that understands and mentally supports the injured rider. You however take the understanding one step further by actually riding. What is your story with being around motocross?

I've always been involved in a variety of sports. I was a cyclist for years, when one day I just realized I had a greater need for speed. A friend took me to Three Palms. I did one lap and was hooked. I understand its appeal.

If you're not doing what you love, you’re living a poorer quality of life. I first help athletes avoid injury by underscoring the importance of balanced strengthening and the right nutrition for joints, ligaments and bones. But when serious injury does occur, I do everything I can to help patients get back to their sport as fast as possible. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I'm athletic. I live it. I get it.

Where are you located, and how long have you been in practice?

I've been an orthopedic surgeon for over 20 years. I opened the Sanders Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Twelve Oaks Medical Center almost two years ago now.

What about an "Out of Town Patient", let's say someone from Oklahoma or Arkansas. Can they be seen by you and your staff?

We have had off road motorcyclists from the south and both coasts. We have an agreement with several local hotels for a $49 per night rate. All the upper extremity cases stay two days. ACL reconstructions and complicated lower extremity issues stay in Houston for one week, so I can monitor their rehab. After they go home, most, but not all, communication and instructions can be handled on the internet. I try to get things fixed so people don't have to make another trip.

Is there a certain area you prefer or specialize in such as knees, wrists or shoulders etc..?

My favorite areas are the knee, shoulder, and upper extremity. While I examine and advise patients about spine, I don't operate on those areas.



What is your role with the Houston Supercross?

The Sanders Clinic became the official healthcare provider of the Houston Supercross in 2005 and will serve again in this capacity in 2006. It's an honor to support such a great sport. At this event we spend a lot of time talking to young and mature riders alike about the common MX injuries and precautions they need to take when riding.



What about Jeff Dement? He just came off a successful year returning back to the states earning National #38. How did you two hook up with his sponsorship deal?

I met Jeff at a recent event at Three Palms Extreme Race Park, where I was sponsoring a couple of teams (one of which took fourth place!). We established a common passion for the sport and recognized a similar approach - athletes aren't going to give up doing what they love, so finding the best way to stay strong and healthy is key. This partnership helps spread that message more broadly. It both educates and supports a great group of athletes. Jeff is really admired by riders of all ages. He's a great role model in this industry.

Houston has a very good MX scene with lots of great tracks. How often are you out riding and what kind of bike do you have?

I ride a CRF 250 - #57 every chance I get. The Houston weather is ideal for this sport, as evidenced in the large number of great tracks we have here and the surrounding area.

Who is your favorite Pro rider besides Jeff Dement?

I'm also impressed with the riding of Ricky Carmichael and James "Bubba" Stewart.

Here is a sticky question for you. For those riders that are riding out there without health coverage, can they be seen by you, and do you work with them on payment plans, or do you suggest they go to their community hospital, etc?

We can always figure something out. It's more important to get the "right" treatment, as it can affect quality of life for years to come. The Sanders Clinic understands what riding means to our patients, so we work with them towards the best resolve.

What is the best advice you can give someone coming off a serious injury?

Keep moving. I can't say it enough. Only by moving an injured limb will a patient rebuild strength, increase range of motion and regain their place back on the track.

Thanks for supporting the moto crowd!

These riders are like a big family. It's an honor to be a part of it.

There you have it. There is a MOTO DOC out there who enjoys riding as much as you, and even sponsors a national caliber racer. So when you have that get-off and are in need of an Orthopedic Surgeon and/or Sports Medicine, don't look any further than Dr. Mark Sanders at the Sanders Clinic. He is on your side, probably lined up on the gate next to you!

Dr. Mark's MX Patients Talk:

"My knee was as bad as they can get. With him, I was walking without crutches the day of surgery. And only one week after surgery my knee felt better than it did before the injury. Now I'm optimistic about racing very soon - stronger and with much less pain. Dr. Sanders is a great doctor, who understands the needs of riders and how bad we want to return to action."

- Sean Kirby (topgun), former motocross professional

"After Dr. Sanders repaired my knee, I worked with BOTH the 'doc' and a trainer at the Sanders Clinic to reach full extension and strengthen my knee. I got back on my bike five weeks later and my knee hasn't felt this good in 20 years!"

- Kevin Sonnier, MX rider and father of young rider

"Dr. Mark is an awesome doc! He makes you feel more comfortable and helps you keep a positive attitude when you know you're hurt and cant ride for a while! He looks on the bright side of things and most doctors don't do that!"

- DirtCiclerider989

"My son Garrett hurt his knee a few weeks ago and he really helped us out. We called his cell Sunday night and he told us to come in the morning and everything was taken care of - quick and easy. My son loved him, and he introduced him to several local riders that were in the office. Thanks for taking care of him. It is definitely worth the drive to see Dr. Sanders!"

- 49smom

"Dr. Sanders is the absolute MAN! Like I keep telling y'all. BEFORE you get hurt, take 5 minutes to meet Dr. Sanders. I know he'll take the 5 minutes to meet you! He's zipped up my shoulder on June 5th from a posterior dislocation requiring surgery and I'm now back on the bike."

- Adam Hamza - #413 CRF 450

"Dr. Sanders did surgery on Blake's shoulder yesterday. Nobody else would even see him until the end of the month. Everyone in this sport should put his number in their cell phone now!! You can't believe the response and care that he has for these athletes. Also his office, staff and Mr. Ed (fitness trainer) are unbelievable.

"We wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to him and his staff. Blake will be back in no time thanks to them!"

- C Rider, Blake Carlile and Family