How did you first get involved in the Paralympics?

I started working with Team USA in 2012 through the United States Olympic Committee’s volunteer rotation for medical providers. For my first two years, I worked with both Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the Olympic training centers in California and Colorado. These last three years, I’ve been fortunate to continue receiving calls requesting medical service, predominantly for the Paralympic Track and Field team. Right now, I’m attending the Paralympic Games as part of the medical coverage staff. During the Games, I work with Team USA Paralympians of many different sports.

What do you do as a Team USA PT, and how do you support the competitors?  

I serve as a medical provider for the team to the extent the scope of my physical therapy practice allows. This means I’m able to provide treatment through any manual therapy technique, such as soft tissue mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, manipulation, mobilization, etc. It’s great working with a team of medical providers from various backgrounds and disciplines for the good and well-being of the athletes. I work alongside chiropractors, athletic trainers, massage therapists, medical doctors, sport psychologists, dieticians, and others. This collaborative environment is beneficial not only for the athletes, but also for the staff. Having providers of different disciplines and backgrounds working together allows us to troubleshoot an athlete’s condition right away.

How has your experience as a Team USA PT been meaningful to you?

It’s an honor to be part of the medical team for Team USA athletes. Contributing to America’s best athletes on an international stage is a job I don’t take lightly. I’m so proud to represent my country and to assist in whatever capacity I can in order to maximize the performance of both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Attending the Olympic or Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity regardless of the circumstance that bring you there. In my case, I’m able to provide medical services, both preventative and reactive, to the world’s most elite athletes, as well as collaborate with other medical providers and with athletes from various corners of the earth.

If you would like to volunteer as a medical provider, make a donation, or learn more about Team USA, please visit http://www.teamusa.org/medicalvolunteer.