SIU School of Medicine Orthopedics hits the ice for the Springfield Jr. Blues

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Craig McFarland

Published November 5, 2026 at 8:19 AM CST

Dr. Youssef El Bitar and athletic trainer Josh Grant join Community Voices to discuss their shared passion for helping athletes prevent and recover from injury. Both also work closely with the Springfield Jr. Blues hockey team to keep players on the ice. We discuss how they came to their professions, their shared love of athletics and how our audience can prevent injury in their own lives.

Community Voices

Craig McFarland

Craig McFarland has been podcasting for over a decade as part of The Front Row Network. He’s the co-host of Beyond the Mouse, a Disney-focused podcast, and Peanut Butter and Biscuits, a show dedicated to all things Ted Lasso. Over the years, Craig has interviewed a wide range of guests, including Oscar winners, Olympians, acclaimed creators, actors, and more than a dozen Disney Legends.

See stories by Craig McFarland