Chicago-based dance company Joffrey Ballet selected orthopedic practitioners at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago to serve as the company physicians.
Here is what you need to know:
1. The physicians are all members of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, a private orthopedic specialty group. They include:
- Simon Lee, MD, a foot and ankle specialist and orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery
- Leda Ghannad, MD, a primary care sports medicine specialist and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Johnny Lin, MD, a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist and assistant professor
- Kamran Hamid, MD, a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist
2. One of the physicians will monitor the Joffrey's onsite training room once a week and attend each of the Chicago performances. The Joffrey "team" physicians may also provide care for Joffrey staff members.
3. Approximately 70 percent of injuries involve the lower extremities, which are typically injuries of overuse. "Ballet dancers are a tough breed of elite athletes performing at a high level with rigorous and lengthy daily practice sessions," said Dr. Lee.
4. A dancer's lower extremities and feet can be chronically sore from inflammation. If further medical assessment is required, a dancer would come to the Rush offices.
5. Dr. Lee serves as the foot and ankle consultant for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He also serves as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Fire.
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