Houston doctors ready to help during the Super Bowl

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When the Falcons and Patriots take the field on Sunday, several Houston doctors will be on the sidelines, carefully watching the players.

"We get there about 8 a.m., and we don't get there until 6 p.m. at night, so it's a pretty long day for us," says orthopedic surgeon Mark Presarn, who described a typical day when he is the surgeon on staff during a Texans game. "It's fun though. I like doing it, that's why I do it."

This Sunday will be anything but typical. Dr. Presarn, who is on staff at Memorial Hermann's IRONMAN Sports Institute, will be responsible for any major injuries that could send players to the hospital. Other physicians will be on hand as concussion specialists.

"What we're looking for is catastrophic injuries really, so anything time there's a major collision," said Dr. Presarn.

Doctor Michael Chang says the team's traveling doctors don't have local admitting privileges, that's why having local doctors on site is crucial.

"Technically they don't have a license to practice in the state of Texas," said Dr. Chang. "So if anything, God forbid, would go wrong, I would expedite the medical care."

Both men are regular physicians for Texans during the season, and have tended to a number of emergencies, including when former Head Coach Gary Kubiak suffered a minor stroke in the middle of the game. They will be paying attention at every player's move during the game, but hope, their skills won't be needed.

"We always hope going to the game we don't have to work, but that being said, we always have to pay attention to the field, we're not just spectators," said Chang.