Local physician, Patrick McLaughlin, MD, of Animas Spine leaves for Austria December 26, 2021 to act as the Women’s U.S. Ski Team physician for the World Cup Race leading up to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He’ll be covering the US Women’s slalom and giant slalom at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup race in Lienz, Austria. Mikaela Shiffrin, current World Cup points leader, will be looking to repeat past gold medal performances. “These athletes dedicate their entire lives in an effort to represent the United States in the Olympics and beyond. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support them during this step of their journey,” says Dr. McLaughlin.
Dr. McLaughlin has served the U.S. Ski Team since 2010 when he first traveled to Finland during his Fellowship in Interventional Spine and Regenerative Medicine at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO. He continues to cover events, both locally and abroad. An accomplished athlete and avid skier himself, Dr. McLaughlin enjoys the competitive environment of these world-class athletes on and off the mountain.
As the US Ski Team physician at these World Cup events, Dr. McLaughlin primarily attends to athlete’s daily medical needs and is on the hill to respond to any accidents or emergencies. Ski Team physicians carry life-saving medical equipment with them at all times but hope never to use it.
In Durango, Dr. McLaughlin’s practice primarily provides non-operative spine care and cutting-edge regenerative medicine therapies, such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments for chronic and acute pain and disability. “The vast majority of my patients are not competitive or Olympic athletes, but they are often just as dedicated to pursuing an active, healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. McLaughlin, “Helping them return to the activities and lifestyle they love is incredibly rewarding.”
Animas Surgical Hospital is proud to partner with Dr. McLaughlin and Animas Spine. Dr. McLaughlin is one of the 80+ providers who practice at Animas Surgical Hospital. For a full list of providers, visit our directory (/find-a-provider/).