University of Colorado
SPORTS MEDICINE NEWSLETTER December 2025
Dr. Emily Sweeney Provides Medical Coverage at Junior World Gymnastics Championships Dr. Emily Sweeney (far left in top photo) traveled to the Philippines in November to provide medical coverage at the Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Junior World Championships. She supported Team USA’s eight gymnasts, who earned a historic eight medals – the most the team has ever won at a single Junior Worlds. Dr. Sweeney also collaborated with the local organizing medical team and international providers to practice gymnastics specific spine-boarding (see photo to the right) and even helped care for an overheated mascot.
Alumni Spotlight AL
Dr. Jamie Friedman
Dr. Jamie Friedman, a 2019-2020 CU Sports Medicine Fellowship graduate, reflects fondly on her time involved in sports coverage and team care. She especially enjoyed working on the field with the Colorado Buffaloes, where she felt like an integral part of the medical team. One standout experience came while covering the Colorado Avalanche, when a player on the opposing team sustained a severe ear injury. Though not a traditional orthopedic case, Dr. Friedman was trusted to manage sewing the ear back on. She credits her experience to the confidence and autonomy fostered during her fellowship training. When asked what advice she would give future CU Sports fellows, Dr. Friedman encourages them to savor every moment. “Fellowship goes by way too fast,” she stated. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions, taking notes, and being as involved as possible in both clinic and the operating room. Today, Dr. Friedman is staying busy at a private practice in Colorado Springs. Outside of work, she continues to enjoy the Colorado lifestyle – hiking, mountain biking, camping, and skiing. She now shares these activities with her husband, Justin Gromes, and their two daughters, Zoe (4) and Shiloh (2). Dr. Friedman often reflects on how impactful her fellowship year was, noting how grateful she is for the training and mentorship she received at CU. “The year I spent there truly prepared me for a successful career,” she shared.
Innovated CAP-LIFT Cannula Enhances Hip Arthroscopy at CU The Dual-Fixed Slotted Cannula for Hip Arthroscopy: Surgical Technique | Christopher R. Orear, B.S., Kyle S. Jamar, B.S., Jessica H. Lee, M.D., James W. Genuario, M.D., Jacob L. Segil, Ph.D., and Omer Mei-Dan.
A collaborative effort between Jacob Segil, research professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder, and Dr. Omer Mei-Dan from CU Anschutz’s Department of Orthopedics has led to a breakthrough in hip arthroscopy: the CAP-LIFT cannula. Featured in Arthroscopy Techniques and recently launched, the device has already been used in over 100 surgeries with positive feedback from surgeons nationwide. The CAP-LIFT cannula addresses common limitations of traditional cannulas—restricted instrument movement, slow exchanges, limited visualization, fluid outflow blockage, and potential cartilage damage— through a slotted design and dual fixation system. This innovative approach allows for improved instrument control, faster workflow, consistent fluid flow, and lower risk of cartilage injury.
Link to research paper Link to feature
Dr. McCarty’s Research Team to Present at 2026 AOSSM Annual Meeting Dr. McCarty’s research team has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2026 AOSSM Annual Meeting, taking place July 8-11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. The accepted posters include “Return to Sport Outcomes Following Stemless Total Shoulder Arthroplasty” presented by Claire Noyes, MS3, Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, and “The Subscapularis Muscular Border Angle (SMBA): A Novel MRI Measurement Predictive of Subscapularis Tear Requiring Arthroscopic Repair” presented by Nicholas Vaver, Clinical Research Assistant. We are proud of the team’s work and look forward to presenting these findings at the national level.
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If you are interested in submitting content for the December newsletter please email emilea.stepaniuk@cuanschutz.edu.