NY Liberty - Team Physician - Dr. Jo A. Hannafin



	Injuries can take their toll on the success of a team, but they are part of every sport. It is important that player injuries are properly, and promptly, diagnosed and that they receive the best treatment available. The team physician is in charge of making the determination of what medical attention each player needs. Dr. Jo A. Hannafin is the team physician for the New York Liberty. It is her job to take care of all player injury and and illness and pronounce them fit enough to return to the active player roster when the time comes. Experience In The World of Sports Dr. Hannafin earned a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology from Brown University in 1977. She then went on to receive her M.D., M.S., and Ph. D. in Physiology and Biophysics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. She is board certified in orthopedic surgery/sports medicine and has worked with several teams and for special sporting events prior to being hired by the Liberty. In 2004, Dr. Hannafin was a physician for the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Prior to that she was the United States team physician at the 2003 Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic. She was also team physician for the WUSA New York Power from 2000-2003 and an Assistant Team Physician to the New York Mets from 1992-1996. A Doctor & More To succeed in this type of medical career, besides earning a medical degree with an emphasis on sports medicine, a team physician, such as Dr. Hannafin, needs to communicate effectively with players, coaches and everyone involved with the team…including the media, who will want to know the condition of the player(s). The ability to make important medical decisions, stay on top of the latest treatments and medical technology and being able to supervise trainers and support staff when necessary, are all part of being successful at this position. Dr. Hannafin has clearly exemplified these abilities and has been honored repeatedly as one of The Best Doctors in America.