NFL Names 1st Chief Medical Adviser Amid Concussion Scrutiny

Dr. Betsy Nabel will serve as the National Football League's first senior medical expert, the league announced Monday.

Nabel, a cardiology specialist and biomedical researcher, has served as president of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital since 2010, according to the hospital's website. Her tasks include identifying "areas for the NFL to enhance player safety, care and treatment," league officials said.

"We are excited to have Dr. Nabel's insight as we continually seek ways to make our game better and safer," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

The NFL — and football in general — face increasing scrutiny over the health-related impacts of head injuries. Retired star Junior Seau was posthumously diagnosed with a brain disorder after he committed suicide, one of a number of high-profile player deaths tied to brain damage.

Last Thursday a mother sued Pop Warner over her son's suicide, claiming it was caused by brain injuries he suffered playing tackle football beginning at age 11.

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