
Orthopaedic surgery is very goal-focused: something is broken, and surgeons are going to fix it. Like so many of you, I have been a sports fan my entire life. As a result, “fixing” an elite or committed athlete provides a little extra incentive and reward. Of course, we are fully dedicated to every patient, but to see one who is so passionate and dedicated to their sports and, indeed, has a strong self-identity as an athlete, return to play is a different level of inspiration and professional fulfillment.
This reward can occur with active patients of any age, but I am particularly energized working with young athletes. I’m fortunate to lead The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center and serve as a Team Physician for the Department of Athletics. As one of the largest Division 1 collegiate programs, OSU has 36 sports and more than 1,000 athletes. One thing I've enjoyed about working with such a large program has been building the multidisciplinary team needed to care for all these athletes. Being part of this high-performing team has been gratifying and a point of pride.
Another advantage of a large program is the exposure to a wide diversity of sports and athletes. Our medical team enjoys seeing the subtle differences in the cultures of various sports; soccer, wrestling, baseball, football, etc. each has its own nuance and personality—so like the subcultures of the subspecialties we experience in orthopaedic residency!
In working with so many different sports, as well as athletes at the high school level and from the U.S. Olympic team, I’ve learned each is a little different and there us no “one size fits all” approach, You can, however, apply a guiding principle I learned from my own mentor, John Bergfeld, MD: to be patient-centered and always do what is best for the patient.
When I was just starting practice, our team was treating a star player with a Jones fracture in his foot. In discussing the treatment plan, I proposed a surgical screw while the senior practitioner wanted to place the patient in a cast and boot. It was an intimidating situation for a young surgeon but, following the advice above, I stuck to my guns. We presented the options to the patient and I advocated for the screw. He ultimately agreed. I'l always remember the obligation and pressure I felt to make sure everything went well.
I’ve worked to carry that forward into my career and to teach my own residents, fellows and mentees that sports medicine is applying good orthopaedic principles in the context of the athlete’s situation. Our medical team strives to include patients and their loved ones in an open discussion on the risks and benefits of treatment options in a joint decision-making process that prioritizes the patient’s best interests.
As surgeons and leaders of the sports medicine team, it’s vital to never be complacent and to always be adapting and learning. The environment we’re working in continues to evolve and change, from the development of new technologies to the rapid changes with NIL and transfer portal. What was the “right” way to do something 10 years ago isn’t the same now, but fortunately AOSSM has provided education and community to keep my practice—and the field—moving forward.
In the end, my most rewarding experiences as a team physician are among the most fundamental. When we get to the end of the season, or athlete reaches the end of their career, hearing their “thank you” makes the hard work and challenges worthwhile.
Recently, AOSSM has begun a new social media series featuring members’ #SportsMedicineStories. It’s been wonderful to read what inspires our colleagues and rediscover the many rewarding moments in our field. Yazdan Raji, MD, emphasized the teamwork needed to prevent injury at game time; Andrew Jiminez, MD, finds purpose in delivering holistic care to restore an athlete to full health; and Kevin Farmer, MD, is passionate about seeing our young athletes shine in the game and beyond. I encourage you to explore these stories and so much more on the Society’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X pages.
Our robust social media platform is just one way AOSSM offers connection and engagement opportunities for sports medicine surgeons at every stage of their careers. From free Nightcap webinars for early-career surgeons, to leadership opportunities on committees or the Council of Delegates, to the networking and education at the Annual Meeting, we hope to see in you 2025.
Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy holiday season and a very happy new year!