NORTH COUNTRY ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
ACCOMPANIES U.S. WOMEN’S ALPINE SKI TEAM TO ITALY  

February 2007

Watertown , New York --- D. Peter Van Eenenaam, vice president and director of the Sports Medicine Center at North Country Orthopaedic Group, 1571 Washington Street , recently returned from the World Cup women’s alpine ski competitions in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy .

Dr. Van Eenenaam traveled to Italy with 10 members of the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team competing for the World Cup. This is the ninth year Dr. Van Eenenaam has traveled with and assisted the team; he has previously traveled to Lake Louise , Alberta , Canada ; Val d’Isere, France ; Sestriere, Italy ; Slovenia ; Germany and Sweden .

The United States ’ Julia Mancuso of California placed first in the Super G event and second in both the Downhill and Giant Slalom events in Cortina. “It was an incredible weekend of skiing for Julia, continuing her run of podium victories for this year,” states Dr. Van Eenenaam. “It is very exciting to be a part of the team when we are winning.”

In addition to Julia’s finish, Colorado ’s Lindsey Kildow finished fourth in the Super G. Finishing in the Super G’s top 30 were Kirsten Clark, Maine; Libby Ludlow, Washington; and Stacey Cook, California .

In the Downhill event, Julia Mancuso placed second, with Kirsten Clark and Stacey Cook again in the top 30. “In the Downhill Lindsey Kildow took a spectacular crash,” comments Dr. Van Eenenaam. “Fortunately she came out of the crash unhurt.”

In the Giant Slalom the team had further success, Julia Mancuso placed second and 19-year-old newcomer Megan McJames of Park City , Utah placed 28^th.

Dr. Van Eenenaam participated daily in team meetings and training with the team. He worked side by side with the team’s physical therapists, physicians and coaches. “Fortunately for the team there were no major injuries at this race,” says Dr. Van Eenenaam. “I was, however, able to advise some of the athletes on other minor medical issues.”

Dr. Van Eenenaam was chosen to provide medical coverage as one of the team physicians by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. He provided assistance for medical illnesses and injuries, consulted with the team’s athletic trainers and physical therapists regarding medical treatment, and advised coaches and skiers on the appropriate use of medication during competition.

Dr. Van Eenenaam serves as the orthopaedic group’s Vice President and is director of its Sports Medicine Center . The center provides sports medicine services to high school, collegiate, recreational and professional athletes. “My experiences working side by side with world class athletes is not only a thrill for me, but also allows me to stay up to date on the latest sports medicine techniques,” states Dr. Van Eenenaam. “Managing world class athletes helps me prepare for what I may run across when local athletes are injured - allowing me to communicate my experiences not only with other members of our group but also with the Sports Medicine Center staff,” continues Dr. Van Eenenaam.

Dr. Van Eenenaam received his orthopaedic training at the Harvard Orthopaedic Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and his advanced sports medicine training at the Steadman and Hawkins Sports Medicine Clinic in Vail, Colorado.  He is a 1979 graduate of Watertown High School and returned to the North Country to join North Country Orthopaedic Group in 1996. Dr. Van Eenenaam had the distinct opportunity to cover the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City , Utah and in October 2003, he was inducted into the Watertown High School ’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Achievement.

North Country Orthopaedic Group specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. Its clinical staff of orthopaedic, sports medicine and rehabilitation specialists provide 70,000 outpatient visits each year for problems ranging from sprains, dislocations and broken bones, to arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and foot & ankle injuries. The group has offices in Watertown and Lowville.

For further information on those services provided by North Country Orthopaedic Group, please call the Watertown office at 782-1650 or the Lowville office at 376-5163. Additionally, information is posted on the group’s website at www.ncortho.com.

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