Our Team
The National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance (NIAHP) focuses on new research to address training, competition and rehabilitation challenges for youth, intercollegiate, professional and recreational athletes.
Michael Bergeron, PhD, FACSM
Dr. Bergeron is the Executive Director of the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance and National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute, and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota at the Sanford USD Medical Center. He also has an appointment as a Senior Scientist in Sanford Children’s Health Research Center. Internationally recognized for his research in exercise, heat stress, and youth athletic health and leadership in the sports medicine community, Dr. Bergeron is a Fellow and past Trustee of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and also past Chair of the ACSM Strategic Health Initiative – Youth Sports and Health Committee. He is currently a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and was recently a consultant member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Executive Committee for the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Dr. Bergeron serves as an Editorial Board member for the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism and Journal of Athletic Training. He also serves as a clinical and scientific consultant to the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Professional Tour Medical Services. Dr. Bergeron has been a regular member of scientific review panels of the Congressionally Directed Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) and Defense Medical Research and Development Program (DMRDP) for the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the United States Army Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC) in the areas of Disease Prevention and Epidemiology, Bone Health and Military Medical Readiness, and Military Nutrition Research. Dr. Bergeron has participated recently as a leading faculty member on ACSM and Department of Defense consensus panels for Exertional Heat Stroke: Return to Duty, Sickle Cell Trait, and Extreme Conditioning Programs. He has also worked with a number of junior, collegiate, and professional athletes on training and nutrition related to preparation, competition, and recovery strategies in the heat, with a particular emphasis on helping athletes to avoid exertional muscle cramping. Dr. Bergeron’s current research is focused on the effects of exercise in the heat and thermal strain on neuromuscular control and injury risk, as well as glycemic control in youth athletes with Type 1 diabetes. The institute is also examining myriad physiological and neuromuscular characteristics associated with mild traumatic brain injury and recovery.
Verle Valentine, MD
Dr. Valentine is the Medical Director for the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance and Assistant Professor at the Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota. Dr. Valentine has a profound interest in health, wellness, and injury prevention. His extensive background is supported by his teaching, research, publications, and ongoing medical practice. He also serves as the Director of the Sports Concussion Program at Sanford Health, and the Assistant Medical Director for the Sanford Sports Medicine Outreach programs. His training includes a residency in Family Medicine and fellowship in Sports Medicine, as well as a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Dr. Valentine has a special interest in child and adolescent athletic injuries, running injuries, and sports-related concussions. He is also an expert in the treatment of athletic and activity-type injuries. He has served as a team physician in many capacities including the WNBA, NBA, LPGA, and multiple DI universities. Currently, Dr. Valentine is the team physician for the University of South Dakota, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants, and Augustana College. He also maintains a clinical practice as a Sports Medicine Physician with Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
Thayne Munce, PhD
Dr. Munce is an Associate Director (Environmental/Applied Physiology) of the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota. Dr. Munce is currently a member of the ACSM Strategic Health Initiative–Youth Sports and Health Committee. He has conducted numerous research studies in the areas of human thermoregulation and applied exercise physiology. Additionally, Dr. Munce has practical experience in athletic health and performance as a former collegiate athlete and sports performance coach, working primarily with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Munce has a particular interest in translating the most current, evidence-based knowledge into practical applications on the playing field and in the clinic through research, education and delivery of sports medicine services.
Jason C. Dorman, MS, CSCS
Jason is the Operations Manager for the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance at the Sanford USD Medical Center. He has his Master's degree in kinesiology with a primary emphasis in exercise physiology and secondary emphasis in biomechanics. Jason is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Jason worked as a Sport Science Intern at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY and also as a Post-Graduate Scholar in the exercise physiology department at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Australia. Jason has tested and advised myriad high school, collegiate and professional athletes in numerous sports, including gold medal and world record-breaking Olympic athletes.
Hannah Nelson, MS, RD, CSSD, LN
Hannah is a Sports Dietitian for the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance at the Sanford USD Medical Center. She earned her Master’s degree in nutrition and health science. Hannah is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition dietetic practice group. Hannah has worked with and helped a variety of active individuals to meet their specific physical and performance goals, including weight management and maintaining energy during athletic events. She also has experience working with medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and food allergies.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (605) 328-4750.