SPORTS MEDICINE NEWSLETTER
March2026
On and Off the Court: Leadership in Sports Medicine and Coaching
At CU Sports Medicine, the impact of our providers extends far beyond the clinic and Ann Abromaitis is a perfect example. Working alongside Michelle Wolcott as an orthopedic nurse practitioner, she brings both clinical expertise and elite athletic experience to the care of our patients.
Before transitioning into medicine, Ann built an exceptional basketball career recognized as one of Colorado’s all-time top prep players, earning National High School Player of the Year honors, winning two NCAA championships, competing in the WNBA, and capturing a gold medal with Team USA in the 3x3 World Championships.
That same passion for the game continues today in her role as head coach of the Kent Denver girls basketball team. In just her third season, she led the program to its firstever state championship appearance—an incredible milestone that reflects her leadership, competitive mindset, and ability to develop athletes at every level.
Her dual role highlights the unique connection between sports medicine and athletics: understanding performance from both a clinical and competitive lens, and using that perspective to support, educate, and inspire the next generation of athletes. We are proud to have providers like Ann representing CU Sports Medicine in our community.
ROCK Study Group Receives 2026 IMPACT Award
The Research in Osteochondritis of the Knee (ROCK) Study Group—including contributors from CU Sports Medicine—was recently honored with the 2026 Improving Musculoskeletal Patient Care Through Outcomes Research (IMPACT) Award, recognizing outstanding research that has advanced musculoskeletal care and informed clinical practice
This award highlights more than 15 years of collaborative, multicenter work focused on improving the understanding and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee—a condition that commonly affects adolescent athletes and can lead to early osteoarthritis if left untreated.
CU Sports Medicine’s involvement in this work includes Jay C. Albright, MD Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado and Surgical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado—whose contributions reflect the institution’s continued commitment to advancing evidence-based care for young athletes.
Through large-scale data collection and innovative research approaches, the ROCK group has made several key contributions to the field, including the development of standardized classification systems, identification of predictors of healing using machine learning, and the establishment of evidence-based surgical techniques. Their work has helped guide clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for patients across institutions.
With over 70 active members spanning multiple specialties and institutions, the ROCK Study Group represents the power of collaborative research in advancing patient care.
Global
Collaboration in Action: Dr. McCarty and AOSSM at SLARD 2026
Dr McCarty represented the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) on an international stage at the SLARD Congress 2026 in Lima, Peru. The meeting brought together more than 1,800 participants and highlighted the SLARD–AOSSM Traveling Fellowship Program an initiative that continues to strengthen international collaboration and professional exchange in sports medicine.
As AOSSM President, Dr. McCarty delivered remarks and contributed to conversations shaping the future of orthopaedic care. His involvement reflects the growing impact of global partnerships and CU Sports Medicine’s role in advancing research, education, and clinical excellence worldwide.
Registration Now Open: 5th International Extreme Sports Medicine Congress
Registration is now open for the 5th International Extreme Sports Medicine Congress, taking place June 5–6, 2026, at Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.
This internationally recognized event brings together leaders across sports medicine including physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and researchers—for two days of cutting-edge education and collaboration. The program will cover a wide range of topics, including injury prevention, surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and the psychology, genetics, and physiology of elite extreme athletes.
Hosted in collaboration with the University of Colorado Sports Medicine, University of Utah Health, and US Ski & Snowboard, the congress continues to gain national attention, with past coverage in major outlets such as the LA Times, Outside Magazine, and NPR.
Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available, and CME/CEU credits will be offered.
For more information and to register, visit: www.extremesportscongress.com
Questions can be directed to maureen.gaeke@cuanschutz.edu
