I wanted to share with the university community that we have made the difficult decision to close the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic. The expected date for the closure is Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
When the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic (GSSMC) opened in October 1988, there was nothing else like it in Edmonton. At the time, having sports medicine, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation, physical therapists, massage therapists and orthotists under one roof was a groundbreaking idea.
But the needs of the elite and varsity sports teams have changed in the past 38 years. Teams that once used the clinic now have their own specialists and clinicians. The GSSMC pivoted to focus on all active Edmontonians, however the interdisciplinary model that was groundbreaking in 1988 is now more common. As the landscape became more competitive, GSSMC struggled to find its place in the marketplace.
In 2020, a combination of budgetary reductions and the university-wide mandate to reduce administrative positions during SET led the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine to the decision to move the clinic out from under the faculty. In an effort to keep the clinic viable, it was moved under the Campus Services umbrella where it operated as a regular clinic with a minor role for teaching and learning. However, the clinic continued to sustain annual losses – ranging between $600,000 and $900,000 – over the past three years alone.
Unfortunately, the January closure will also result in the loss of 10 full-time and four part-time positions as well as 7 auxiliary/casual positions. While this decision was necessary from a financial point of view, it is never easy to reduce staffing and we know this news will have an impact on the U of A community.
As the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ works to balance its budget for 2025-26, we must make choices that prioritize our core mission: teaching and research. Closing the GSSMC was a hard choice but it is the responsible choice as we focus on growing our student body and research, and remaining competitive as a top Canadian post-secondary institution.
There is no anticipated disruption in service to clients. Clinicians will follow up with their clients in keeping with guidelines, to let them know about the change in service and new location for their future appointments. While this communication falls outside the university, we will support a smooth transition wherever we can.
Katherine Huising
Associate Vice-President, Campus Services