Douglas P. Terry, PhD

Dr. Terry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery and is a Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist. He is a Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center and the Director of the Center for Cognitive Neurosurgical Studies.

He is the Senior Director of Research for the National Football League (NFL).

He also serves as the neuropsychological consultant for the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and Nashville Soccer Club.

Clinically, he specializes in the assessment of neurocognitive and emotional difficulties, often in individuals who may be undergoing neurosurgical procedures. He provides additional services related to the management of concussions/traumatic brain injuries.

Research
Dr. Terry has developed a research program examining the spectrum of concussion, from injury diagnosis to potential long-term effects. His current interests include:

• How technological devices may assist in the diagnosis of concussion / traumatic brain injuries.
• The usefulness of mouthguards with embedded biokinematic sensors in detecting repetitive head impacts and concussions.
• Understanding the risk factors for a prolonged recovery from concussion.
• Examining the effectiveness of specific treatments following concussion.
• Understanding the clinical symptoms in individuals with a history of contact sports and concussions who may be at risk for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome / Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

He continues to collaborate with former colleagues at the Harvard Football Players Health Study, which examines the health of former National Football League players across several specialties including neurology, sports medicine, rehabilitation medicine, cardiology, and other relevant bodily systems.

He has received research funding from Amgen Inc., Football Research Inc., Blink TBI, and in part through the Civil Military Innovation Institute / Department of Defense.

He has co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Memberships, Awards, and Honors
Dr. Terry received the Early Career Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology (2024) and the Sports Neuropsychological Society (2025).

Relevant society memberships include:

• International Neuropsychological Society
• National Academy of Neuropsychology
• Sports Neuropsychological Society
• American Psychological Association

He was previously an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Education
Dr. Terry received his Bachelor of Science from Tufts University, Medford, MA and earned an MS and PhD in clinical psychology (neuropsychology specialization) at the University of Georgia. Dr. Terry completed his internship at the University of California, Los Angeles in adult neuropsychology. He then completed a two-year clinical-research fellowship in neuropsychology (with a specialization in concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, and sports neuropsychology) in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Patient Appointments and Clinic
Vanderbilt Neurosurgery Clinic
The Village at Vanderbilt
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 1506
Nashville, TN 37212
Fax: (615) 322-7596

Vanderbilt Children’s Orthopaedics-Murfreesboro
2102 West Northfield Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: 615-343-5875
Appointments (615) 322-7417

Academic Office
Department of Neurological Surgery
The Village at Vanderbilt
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 4340
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615) 322-1883
Fax (615) 343-6948

WEBSITE: Department of Neurological Surgery
WEBSITE: Sports Concussion Center
WEBSITE: Neuropsychology Clinic