Syracuse, N.Y. -- Crouse Hospital is launching a sports medicine program led by the team doctors for Syracuse University, the Syracuse Crunch and other orthopedic experts.

As part of the program, Crouse plans to open an after-hours walk-in clinic called SportsCare Express later this month for sports injuries and other orthopedic problems that do not require hospital emergency room care.

Crouse is entering a crowded playing field. Syracuses two biggest orthopedic groups Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists and Upstate Orthopedics have sports medicine specialists. Those groups also operate similar after-hours programs that opened last year.

There is a lot of competition locally, but we think we have a good product and great physicians affiliated with us, said Bob Allen, a Crouse vice president.

Crouses sports medicine team includes Dr. Irving Raphael, head team doctor for Syracuse University athletics, and his son, Dr. Bradley Raphael, assistant team doctor for SU. Also on the team are Dr. Daniel Christina, head team doctor for the Syracuse Crunch, and Dr. Michael Wiese, an orthopedic consultant to Christian Brothers Academy, Le Moyne College and the Crunch. Dr. Paul Klawitter, a concussion management expert from Ithaca, will join the group next month.

They are among the Syracuse areas few independent orthopedic doctors not part of Syracuse Orthopedic specialists or Upstate Orthopedics.

The independent doctors are partnering with Crouse. The SportsCare Express clinic will operate out of Raphaels office at 5823 Widewaters Parkway, DeWitt.

Allen said the sports medicine program will enhance its partnership with its neighboring institution, SU. Crouse is the official hospital of SU Athletics. Injured SU athletes get top priority when they seek care at Crouses urgent care center, PromptCare, which is across the street from the hospital.

Over time Crouses goal is to develop a comprehensive sports medicine program that will include cardiology, general surgery, pain management, physical therapy and other services.

The program will serve professional, college and high school athletes as well as weekend warriors who get injured hiking, jogging or performing some other activity, Allen said.

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Crouse Hospital steps up its sports medicine game