As the world prepares for the Olympic summer games in Paris, ORA Orthopedics’ Dr. Thomas VonGillern is already looking forward to a possible dream trip to the 2026 Winter Games in Turin (Torino), Italy, as a team doctor for the US Olympic Ski Team.
“I’ll be watching Paris with an eye on Torino! I love the Olympics, both summer and winter games,” he says. “The athletes’ skill and athleticism is just profound.”
Dr. VonGillern, a 50-year ski veteran, instructor and ski team physician, has travelled all over the world to help train US Olympic skiers as well as stand at the ready on the slopes while skiers rocket past him at speeds ranging from 70-95 mph.
“As ski team physicians, we really train in slope-emergent injury assessment with treatment and evacuation methods. This includes massive high speed trauma assessment of the head, chest, and abdomen for all skiers including Paralympic skiers and snowboarders.”
He says over the years he’s watched speeds increase about 15 percent, but racing equipment technology and training protocols have also improved. Even the courses are designed to mitigate injury. However, even the most advanced planning and equipment can’t replace the readiness of team physicians like him who are on the scene in seconds to assess the extent of a skier’s injuries.
“In a given year, I can be working one to two events for a week. I’ll be on the mountain at sunrise wearing a headlamp. We carry a pack that has all the first aid and emergency supplies including tourniquets and splints. I’m like a mini-mobile ER unit.
“I am positioned on the course uphill in case I need to ski down to a fallen athlete. If someone goes down, I ski over to them, assess their injuries and then work with medics on site. Injuries range from soft tissue to joint sprains, fractures, dislocation, or head and spine injuries.
“For the most part, most injuries are low caliber. These athletes train and perform at the elite world-class level. They are good athletes. Focused and competitive.”
Dr. VonGillern says America should be proud of not only their commitment but their character. “Everyone competes against each other, but they are also very supportive of each other. They back each other up.”
He says it’s a privilege to work with the team during championships and also at the team’s headquarters in Park City, Utah. He’s watched them develop over time. “Yes, I’ve met and worked with skiers, many whom you’d recognize, but treat them with the same care as I do my own patients here in the Quad Cities. We do have to monitor lots of different things. They are very careful about diet and are disciplined for practice. They are very particular. It’s a group of athletes we can all be proud of.”
While he is still making plans with hopes of joining the winter athletes in Italy in 2026, he’s an all-around Olympic fan, summer or winter.
“I’ve never actually been to the Olympic Games. It’s really a dream, and I would love to go to Italy, but I also will be enjoying the Summer Games in Paris. I love watching the gymnastics and wrestling events. I am cheering for USA all the way!”
Dr. VonGillern, ORA Orthopedics
