AAPM&R National Grand Rounds: How Dr. Finnoff Became Chief Medical Officer for Team USA-How Dr. Finnoff Became CMO for TEAM USA

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Video Summary

Dr. Jonathan Finoff, the Chief Medical Officer for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, discussed his career aspirations and how he got into sports medicine. He emphasized the importance of developing a strong medical skillset during residency and fellowship, as well as building relationships with mentors and colleagues. Dr. Finoff also highlighted the need for clinical experience and the importance of having a supportive group of colleagues to cover for you while you're away. As the Chief Medical Officer for the USOPC, Dr. Finoff discussed his goals, including improving mental health support for athletes and organizing the structure of healthcare within the Olympic and Paralympic movement. He also addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of athletes and staff. Dr. Finoff expressed optimism for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2021, citing the success of professional and international sports in managing COVID-19 and the development of vaccines and treatments. He highlighted the resilience and dedication of athletes and their ability to adapt and continue training despite the challenges. Dr. Finoff acknowledged the gaps in care for Paralympic athletes and outlined plans to address these inequalities, including the development of a robust mental health program and the establishment of a national medical network for healthcare providers. He stressed the importance of physiatrists in providing care for Paralympic athletes and encouraged young physiatrists to pursue careers in sports medicine, emphasizing the need for strong clinical skills, research experience, and mentors. In conclusion, Dr. Finoff expressed his commitment to improving the quality of care for Olympic and Paralympic athletes and his dedication to the field of sports medicine.

Keywords

Dr. Jonathan Finoff

Chief Medical Officer

sports medicine

clinical experience

mental health support

COVID-19 pandemic

Olympic Games 2021

care for Paralympic athletes

physiatrists in sports medicine

quality of care