Joanne C. Gerstner

Well, it’s hard to believe, but there is about a month left in my time as a Knight-Wallace fellow at the University of Michigan. Some people are bemoaning time went so quickly. I feel like the time went just right. I did a lot, learned a crazy amount of stuff, and the time went where the time always goes when you are engaged in something you care about.

I get asked a lot about what I have learned by being a fly on the wall of the NeuroSport department. Hopefully, there will be a book coming out of that question. But in short, I’ve learned that neurology is not an exact science, as our brains are this amazingly complex, individual chemical, electrical, intellectual and even a bit spiritual form. Our brains are what makes us unique. We share anatomy, symptoms, injuries, illness, etc., but how our brains respond to treatment, or don’t, how we feel, can be predicted – but not ordained – by neurologists. People that seek a magic pill to cure the ills of a concussion are disappointed when they find the answers are a lot hazier. We just can’t give a blood test and tell you what kind of concussion lurks in your head. The test-driven world of medicine, where we give a blood test or a biopsy to find disease, doesn’t apply to brains. Which is good, because I’m not volunteering for somebody to take a chunk out of my cranium to see what’s wrong with me 🙂

I have been really lucky to have access, and develop lovely friendships, with some of the best in the world working on our brains. Their drive to be clinicians who care is a great thing to get to witness.

so onto the final lap here in Ann Arbor….

jcg

All is well…just been running around the planet. Mackinac, the oil-rich northern woods of Alberta, and the freezing-cold streets of Zurich. Life is about learning, and I’ve been busy reading, listening, and smacking around the occasional tennis ball.

I really do miss writing/working, but have to keep in mind that this year will probably be the last until I retire or have a child that I will truly be off. Time to experience life and breathe is precious, and I am very grateful for it. We all run around way too much.

Namaste.

OK, I will fully concede the argument that my cat Oreo has more vocal talent than the Spice Girls. But what can I say, they make me happy. Their 90-second auto-tuned, synth-processed rip at the Closing Ceremonies was fun. Was waiting for somebody to break an ankle in those death heels they were wearing. Spice up your life!

For those who have been following the saga of my knee and tennis, there has been a major, crazy good break hrough. It was August 2, 2009, at the SEMTA playoffs, where I blew my knee out in a match. Went from an undefeated season to wondering how my knee was going to work for the rest of my life.

Last weekend, I came full circle. After two surgeries, nearly a year of rehab, losing 50 pounds and getting my head right, I was playing again in the same playoffs, same courts, where my nightmare started. And yeah, I was a tiny bit freaked out, even to see that court, which looked exactly as I had engraved it into my nightmares. (I haven’t had one of those in a year, but I used to wake up screaming, grabbing my knee, literally replaying what happened to me…so bad.) Anyways, things went awesomely. My AMAZING partner Gretchen and I went 4-0 on the weekend (no small feat, considering the teams were good and it was bitchin’ hot out there), and our cool team made it to the SEMTA finals. We narrowly lost, but so proud to say we’re the second-best 3.5 team in Southeastern Michigan.

I never could have dreamed, when I was in so much pain and sadness post-surgery in late-2010, that I would be back in 18 months, stronger, faster and playing tennis. I am so blessed. Again, million thanks to Dr. Kozinski, Dr. Lemos, Dr. Aziz, Brian Felczak and the RIM team, Arnie Kander, my family and friends.

Believe. Always.

And always put away short balls. 🙂

Peace out!

I have the excuses ready: no, the dog did not eat my blog posts (not a dog person), I did not drop off the Earth, and the heat did not melt my Mac. In reality, I’ve been super-busy, but all in a wonderful way. Since I last posted, I’ve been in Paris covering the French Open for espnW, on vacation in Madrid, Seville, Lisbon and Cleveland (yes, Cleveland!), playing tennis (Go Conley’s 3.5 warrior women!), and working on daily items of joy for the NY Times.

So I’m not sacking out on the couch. All is good, all is well, and I hope you can say the same about your summer.

I will be overhauling this site in the fall, so let me know if any exciting gizmos/changes that you’d like to see me add. Your wish is my cyber-command.

Peace out homies!

It’s been an interesting process, but I can’t question the results: I’ve been selected as a Knight-Wallace fellow by the University of Michigan, for 2012-2013 school year. It’s going to be an interesting ride, as I am taking a step back from the daily grind of writing to look at the issue of concussions and athletes. Michigan is doing some interesting things with athletes and the NeuroSport department. I hope to learn more about all aspects of concussions. Maybe write a book or something in-depth on this.

I have to give much love to espnW, the New York Times, my family, Allison Creekmore, Lynn Zinser, Lydia Craver, Michigan Professor Dr. Andy Markovits, and KWF alums Linda Robertson, Micki Maynard, Tom Stanton and Wayne Drehs for their love, support and everything along the way. And a thank you to director Charles Eisendrath, Birgit Rieck and the KWF interview board for picking me.

It’s going to be an interesting year for sure. And I can’t wait to see Tammy Watt, 313 native, in Sao Paolo!