Douglas Terry, PhD, assistant professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is the 2025 recipient of the Early Career Award from the Sports Neuropsychology Society (SNS).
The award, which will be announced at the SNS annual symposium in May, is granted annually to an individual who has significantly impacted the field of neuropsychology through service and research within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree.
Terry earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia in 2016 and has since focused his career on the neuropsychology of sport, notably as a co-director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center and as director of Vanderbilt’s Center for Cognitive Neurosurgical Studies. He also holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
In 2024, Terry gained national recognition upon being appointed the senior director of research for the National Football League’s Player Health and Safety Department. Locally, he serves as the consulting neuropsychologist for the Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans and Nashville Soccer Club.
Terry’s research interests include the examination of the biomechanical forces associated with football-related head impacts in collegiate athletes and ways to mitigate negative outcomes.
“Dr. Terry is highly respected by his colleagues, and the Sports Neuropsychology Society is pleased to honor his many contributions to athlete brain health with our Early Career Award,” said Donna Broshek, PhD, ABPP-CN, executive director and past president of the Sports Neuropsychology Society. “As a national expert on sports-related concussion, Dr. Terry’s thoughtful, innovative research demonstrates an exquisite understanding of factors that can influence research findings. He has quickly developed a well-rounded and successful career in sports neuropsychology and has a bright future.”
Terry said he’s honored to be recognized by the Sports Neuropsychology Society and grateful for the support of many colleagues who worked with him to positively impact the field of sports neuropsychology through his career.
“Working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with other experts in neuropsychology — as well as other fields that support the advancement of athlete and patient health — provides me with an abundance of resources and expertise to continue our goal of advancing neurological care for all,” he said.
