It was an unfortunate tragedy at a high school soccer practice that changed Evan Ernst’s life forever and shined a light on the deathly issue of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This disease goes easily undiagnosed amongst seemingly healthy student-athletes.

Evan shares his journey in this week’s episode of Dr. Marc’s Masterclass and discusses why he’s so passionate about changing the narrative about heart disease in youth, and why it’s so crucial we make sure everyone has all of the tools and care they need to make sure this issue is resolved.

He also talks about why this condition doesn’t just affect all traditional athletes, but even those who love gaming and esports.

To learn more about Evan and his organization, visit: https://www.whoweplayfor.org/

To connect with Marc, visit him on.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/docspitsfire06

Or

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docspitsfire06/

Full Episode Breakdown:

3:31 – Introduction to Evan, and why  it was so important understanding what was happen with COVID and student athletes.

6:26 – Evan gives his background and details about growing up, and why sports and soccer was the most important thing ever, and the moment that truly changed his life.

9:39 –   Why this wasn’t just a passion for Evan, but 15 other student athletes who wanted to make a change.

11:43 – Evan discusses his childhood, and how it molded him to what it is now.

14:20 –  Why Evan’s storied past luckily gave him the wake-up call he needed in order to change the direction of his life.

 19:23 – Why learning to take responsiblilty of his actions at such a young age helped him to face his fears and start taking control of his life.

26:23 – What was college life like? Evan discusses what was most important to him in shaping his career and life in college.

32:20 – The mission of Who We Play For, and what it so important to them help screen kids.

35:20 – The shocking truth behind mandatory screening of student athletes.

37:80 – Some of the biggest cases of student athletes with heart issues, and why organizations and parents are so hesitant to get the screening done.

42:08 – Recommendations on when kids should get screened and tested.