- Dr. Mark Hutchinson, an orthopedic surgeon and head team physician at the University of Illinois Chicago, volunteered as a medical staff with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) since 1996.
- Hutchinson’s philosophy for volunteering with Team USA revolves around looking for opportunities, making some of his own, and being willing to serve for the benefit of the athletes.
- Volunteer physicians like Hutchinson typically have a background in sports, with former athletes often given preference by the USOPC and National Governing Bodies.
- Volunteer physicians must do a 2-week rotation at an Olympic Training Center as an audition to demonstrate their ability to work with coaches, trainers, other medical staff, and athletes.
- Volunteering at the Olympics, while unpaid, offers a unique and rewarding experience, providing physicians with the opportunity to support athletes, be part of the global camaraderie, and witness the joy of success through the athletes’ achievements.
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Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics