The UC San Diego Health System announced Thursday that it has been designated as a U.S. Olympic Regional Medical Center, joining a national network of healthcare providers selected by the United States Olympic Committee to provide services to Team USA athletes.
Under the agreement, UCSD staff will provide orthopedics and sports medicine, primary care, cardiovascular care, neurosurgery, cancer care and physical therapy to U.S. athletes.
Dr. Christopher Wahl, the chief of the Division of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UC San Diego Health System, said the partnership will serve as a unique resource and learning opportunity.
“The work we do with world-class athletes allows us to understand even more how high-energy injuries manifest differently and customize treatment plans that improve recovery times,” Wahl said. “We continually push the limits of what is possible in this elite population, and in turn, the athletes put our therapies and procedures to the highest tests.”
He said the lessons will translate to better care for all patients.
The USOC’s National Medical Network was launched last year to provide medical care to athletes through partnerships with health providers with proven expertise in multidisciplinary sports medicine.
UC San Diego experts will provide comprehensive care services across specialties for athletes in a variety of sports such as track and field, cycling, skiing, rowing and volleyball.
— City News Service