MY LIFE AS A TEAM PHYSICIAN
Andrew DeGruccio, MD
F
20
or the last 19 years, my Friday nights
actually start on Thursdays, beginning
somewhere in the middle of August
and continuing until the middle of November.
With high school football season, the Friday
night rituals begin. For me, the rituals include
Thursday night checking the upcoming weather forecast and confirming the distance to
the upcoming game. Once I check the weather forecast, then I can
start the packing, done the night before. I pack a bag with shorts
and long pants, in case the weather shifts. I include three different
color shirts so that I can coordinate with the trainer. I include a rain
slicker, and plenty of bug spray. Late in the season the bag includes
gloves, wool socks and a heavy coat. I grab this bag on my way to
surgery or rounds Friday morning knowing that if I forget it, I will
not have time to come home before game time. After a full day of
clinic, I text the trainer to confirm the shirt color and kick off time.
Then, I determine if I have time to grab a bite to eat before the game
starts. After a quick dinner, it’s off to the game.
ter reviewing these players, inspecting some taping and bracing,
confirming the medical coverage for the opposing team, the game
begins. After the whistle blows, my mai