August 3, 2011

Eugene Hong, MD, chief of the Division of Sports Medicine and chairman of the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine, is traveling with the U.S. Lacrosse Women's National Under 19 Team as they defend their title at the Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Championship in Hanover, Germany.

Hong is one of two sports medicine specialists invited to travel with the team to be their official team physicians. As one of the team physicians, he is responsible for helping the athletes with their basic nutrition and activity needs, as well as completing any required exams. Most importantly, Hong will attend to any injuries or medical problems that may occur, as well as make changes within training routines to help minimize the chances of common sports injuries.

"Keeping athletes injury-free is vital to successful competition," said Hong. "I'm thrilled that I was invited by the U.S. national team to participate in this momentous endeavor in such a meaningful way."

Hong is a leading authority on concussions, cardiac issues in athletes and sports-injury prevention. He serves as the head team physician for all Drexel University and Philadelphia University athletics and is a team physician for St. Joseph's University. He also treats patients at Drexel Sports Medicine in Manayunk.

Hong is an active member of several professional committees and associations including the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Team USA is scheduled to play five games in round-robin play August 3 through 9 and then play in the championship or consolation bracket from August 10 through 12. You can get updates on the team's progress by visiting www.uslacrosse.org.