The majority of Dr. Patrick McLaughlin’s patients aren’t Olympic athletes, but they can benefit from the same elite level of care that he brings to the U.S. Ski Team. The Animas Spine physician volunteers his time and expertise serving high-performance Olympic athletes.
Dr. McLaughlin traveled to Corralco, Chile in September 2017 to provide medical support for the U.S. women’s downhill and super giant slalom training camp. As a member of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) physician pool, Dr. McLaughlin travels with the team at least once every three years. Dr. McLaughlin carries life-saving equipment and waits at the top of the course while skiers practice sometimes hitting speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. If someone is injured, he evaluates and assists in the treatment of the athlete. Training camps like the one in Chile have limited on-site medical support, says Dr. McLaughlin, In Corralco, the closest medical facility was two hours away.
Dr. McLaughlin has volunteered as a U.S. ski team physician since 2010. He has traveled to Finland, Italy, Chile, and covered training camps in the U.S. Dr. McLaughlin played soccer in college and semi-professionally and he states that his background helps him connect with the athletes. I remember what it was like to have your whole life focused around training. I think my prior experience helps me understand the challenges and pressures that these athletes face.
Back in Durango, Dr. McLaughlin provides that same level of care to his patients at Animas Spine. He practices non-operative spine care and regenerative medicine therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell treatments. My patients here are often no less dedicated to pursuing an active, healthy lifestyle, said McLaughlin. I find it just as rewarding helping them achieve their goals.
Animas Surgical Hospital is proud to partner with Dr. McLaughlin and Animas Spine. Dr. McLaughlin is one of more than 70 board-certified doctors and healthcare providers that practice at Animas Surgical Hospital. For a full list of providers, visit our directory (/find-a-provider/).