CU Sports Medicine Providers
Eric McCarty, MD
Head Team Physician
Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club
Rachel Frank, MD
Treating Female Athletes
CU Sports Medicine Providers
SPECIALIZED CARE TREATING SPORTS MEDICINE CONDITIONS
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Eric McCarty, MD
Chief of Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery
I am passionate about taking care of active individuals of all ages. When a competitive or recreational athlete incurs an injury, I relish the opportunity to provide meticulous care in guiding them back to their desired activity through both my operative expertise and my non-operative skills. My devotion to the care of my patients is evident in the following values that guide my practice as well as my colleagues, the team of sports medicine physicians at the University of Colorado: Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Professionalism, Respect, Passion, Patient-centered, Leadership, Positivity, Innovation, Compassion, Inspiration. Our mission at CU Sports Medicine is to define and deliver exceptional evidence-based care for the athlete in everyone. We are committed to providing the highest quality professional and ethical care to all patients through the integration of comprehensive education and exceptional musculoskeletal research combined with outstanding care of the patient.
I continue to maintain a very active lifestyle with my family. I enjoy the activities I grew up with in Colorado including hiking, cycling, climbing, and skiing. This carries over into my unbridled dedication to returning patients to their desired activity/sport.
Comprehensive Care for Sports-Related Injuries: CU Sports Medicine
Our focus is on you, the patient. At CU Sports Medicine, we provide comprehensive care for sports and related injuries, regardless of your age or level of athleticism. Our team of orthopedic specialists and certified physical therapists are dedicated to treating athletes of all types and ages across the Front Range.
We understand that every athlete is unique, and that's why we offer specialized care for a variety of injuries, including those affecting the hip, knee, hand, foot, ankle, elbow, shoulder, and spine. Whether you're dealing with compartment syndrome, sprains, and strains, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or other related conditions, we're here to help.
With convenient on-site radiology and rehabilitation services, our team is able to provide patients with the resources they need to recover quickly and safely. Our goal is to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis, followed by the fastest possible recovery.
At CU Sports Medicine, we know that your time is valuable. That's why we offer same-day diagnostic tests and physician evaluations in one convenient location. We're committed to providing patient-centered care that focuses on your needs and helps you get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
Let's Get Started!
ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon
Research
The University of Colorado Orthopedic Sports Medicine program is a renowned research institution focused on advancing the field of sports medicine through cutting-edge research and innovative treatments. With a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and researchers, the program offers comprehensive care for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Research is a cornerstone of the program, and the team is dedicated to investigating new treatments and approaches to sports-related injuries. Current areas of research include:
- Injury prevention strategies for athletes, including biomechanical and neuromuscular training programs
- Advanced surgical techniques for ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair
- Regenerative medicine approaches for tendon and ligament injuries, including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Understanding the long-term effects of sports-related concussions on cognitive function and brain health
- Developing new tools and technologies for diagnosing and treating sports injuries, such as wearable sensors and telehealth platforms.
Through its commitment to research and innovative treatments, the University of Colorado Orthopedic Sports Medicine program is helping athletes of all levels stay healthy and active, and advancing the field of sports medicine as a whole.
Learn more about our recent research in Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine Fellowships
Sports News
Celebrating Dr. Eric McCarty's Induction into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame
Dr. Eric McCarty is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and the Chief Medical Officer for the University of Colorado Boulder's Athletic Department. He was recently inducted into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. Dr. McCarty is a highly respected member of the sports medicine community, and he has served as the team physician for the CU Buffs since 1993. In addition to his work with the Buffs, he has also provided medical care for the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, and the United States Ski Team. During his time at CU, Dr. McCarty has played an instrumental role in the Collaboration of the University of Colorado with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Denver to join forces as one of the most highly regarded orthopedic centers in the country. He has also been recognized for his contributions to research in the field of sports medicine and has published numerous articles and book chapters on the subject. Overall, Dr. Eric McCarty's induction into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor that recognizes his exceptional career in sports medicine and his significant contributions to the CU Buffs athletic program. Congratulations, Dr. McCarty!
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Surgical complications have implications for patients, physiciansOpens in a new window
Mar 16, 2022Complications occur in patients even when we perform surgical tasks with the highest level of skill. As orthopedic surgeons, the only way to avoid surgical complications is not to operate.Opens in a new window Full story -
Chronic Lactate Exposure Leads to Cellular Disruptions Implicated in Cancer and Possibly T2 Diabetes
Mar 9, 2022Study shows the accumulation of chronic cellular lactate can pose health risks over time. Acute amounts of lactate like those generated during exercise are probably required for healthy cells, but chronic exposure causes cellular disruption which can lead to cancer, heart failure and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.Full story -
Multidisciplinary Approach Makes CU Sports Medicine Program a Winner
Feb 28, 2022A Q&A with CU Sports Medicine providers Eric McCarty, MD, Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, and Sherrie Ballantine-Talmadge, DO. CU Sports Medicine — a multidisciplinary program involving the School of Medicine’s departments of orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics — serves a wide range of patients: from toddlers to seniors, elite athletes to weekend warriors. To help dispel some misconceptions about the field and highlight what sets CU’s program apart from the competition, we interviewed three experts to learn from the pros.Full story