SPORTS MEDICINE NEWSLETTER
November2025
Transformational Gift Honors Dr. Burger-Van der Walt
An anonymous benefactor gifted more than $4 million to establish the Endowed Chair in Bone Health and the Endowed Musculoskeletal Research Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. The gift honors Evalina Burger-Van de Walt, MD, and the Department of Orthopedics for their exceptional service.
The Endowed Chair in Bone Health will support research and education focused on osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases, along with related academic and professional development activities. The Musculoskeletal Research Fund will advance studies aimed at improving understanding of bone, joint, and muscle health and support new approaches to treating conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle loss, and impaired fracture healing.
Appreciation is extended to the benefactor, Dr. Burger-Van der Walt, and to Carrie Radant and Marti Laule from the Office of Advancement for their roles in making this gift possible
BVSD Teams Went to Playoffs with CU Sports Medicine Support
Three BVSD teams – Monarch, Fairview, and Broomfield – competed in the football playoffs this season. CU Sports Medicine & Performance Center, which has proudly served as BVSD’s official sports medicine provider for 25 years, ensuring each school has an athletic trainer and access to team physicians, delivering the highest level of care throughout the season.
Congratulations to Dr. Changstrom and Alex Esposito, Dr. Stokes and Mario Rivera, and Dr. Ballantine, Shelby Shadix, and Kyler Muir for their work supporting their teams on their post season runs!
Dr. Saint-Phard Presents at AAPM&R Annual Assembly
At the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly, Dr. Saint-Phard delivered a well-received talk titled “Higher-Level Imaging Has Replaced the Physical Examination” Dr Saint-Phard emphasized that strong examination skills can:
Reduce unnecessary high-cost imaging
Lower overall healthcare spending
Apex Students Dive Into Real-World Sports Medicine
Minimize patient burden
Improve the accuracy and efficiency of clinical care
She encouraged clinicians to continue developing, refining, and refreshing their musculoskeletal physical examination techniques to ensure imaging is used thoughtfully and only when needed.
Apex Students Dive Into Real-World Sports Medicine
Boulder TEC has officially been renamed Apex, where students in BVSD gain hands-on exposure to the medical field through courses such as Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine PT, Biomedical Sciences, and EMT. CU Sports Medicine & Performance Center’s former athletic trainer, Dan Rousseau, now leads the sports medicine classes.
Students are preparing for a second-semester internships across Boulder County, including three hosted at CU Sports Medicine & Performance Center: one in the physician pods with Dr. Ballantine, one in PT, and a new radiology internship.
Dr. Ballantine will also visit Apex to teach a concussion module, ensuring students are ready to support the reintroduction of concussion baseline testing at the Sports Medicine & Performance Center.
Reminder: Nominate a Castle Connolly
Top Doctor
WHAT IS IT?
Each year, Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors list celebrates physicians who set the bar for clinical excellence, compassion, and leadership in medicine This national honor is powered by peer nominations, and your input helps identify the top 7% of doctors across the country.
HOW TO VOTE
Log in to the provider portal to nominate a physician. New users can register using their NPI number.
When submitting a nomination, be sure to highlight your nominee’s accomplishments and experience – these insights appear on the public Castle Connolly profile, helping patients understand what makes their physicians stand out.
Please note: Each physician may submit up to 15 nominations within their own specialty, 7 in Internal, Family, and Pediatric medicine, and 5 in all other specialities
Denver’s 5280 Magazine uses this Castle Connolly list in its Top Doctors annual issue! Submit your nominations by December 31 !st
CU Medicine Sideline Snapshots
The CU football season didn't unfold exactly as planned, but we still had plenty of memorable moments on the sidlines!
Dr. Eric McCarty and Dr. Evalina BurgerVan der Walt on the Folsom Field sideline after the CU Anschutz Orthopedics tailagte.
From left to right: Dr. Sourav Poddar, Chief Medical Officer, CU Athletics; Dr. Vineet Chopra, Interim Executive Vice Dean of CU Anschutz School of Medicine; Dr. Eric McCarty, Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician, CU Football; and Dr. John Sampson, Dean of CU Anschutz School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
