McGill Sport Medicine Clinic’s, Dr. Gabrielle Ostiguy, is at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games as the team doctor for the Canadian Short Track Speed Team.
Dr. Gabrielle Ostiguy, a family doctor who works for the McGill Sport Medicine Clinic, had the opportunity of a lifetime and attended the 2022 Olympic Winter Games as the team doctor for the Canadian Short Track Speed Team. Below are excerpts from our talk from what it takes to go to the Olympics as a doctor, how Dr. Ostiguy prepared for the Games, and her top tips for the everyday athlete.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in sport medicine?
A: Initially my goal I was to specialize in orthopedic surgery. However, two years into my residency, I changed my mind and decided that I wanted to become a primary care sports and exercise medicine doctor. I finished my residency in family medicine and then went on and did my fellowship in sport and exercise medicine at McGill University.
At my current family medicine practice, I see a large variety of athletes. From weekend warriors, young stars, to Olympians – I treat them all. In addition to my own practice, I also work at the McGill Sport Medicine Clinic. I am the team doctor for McGill’s track and field and cross-country teams, while also treating many patients from the Montreal community. Lastly, I also work at l’Institut National du Sport du Québec (INS), where I am the team doctor for the national short track speed skating team, Judo, and the Olympic boxing teams.
Q: What is your role with the sport teams you support?
My primary role as a sport and exercise medicine doctor is prevention. We perform pre-participation medical examinations, where I assess the athlete's health at the beginning of each competitive season. Throughout the competitive year when illness or injury occurs, I work with the team’s physiotherapist and specialists to provide a multidisciplinary plan towards recovery, and a safe return to sport.
Q: How did you end up being a member of Canada’s mission staff for the 2022 Beijing games?
Since I was young, I always wanted to go to the Olympics. I remember watching the them at home and thinking to myself, “that’s so amazing, I want to be part of that one day.” Although I was not going to be able to go as an athlete, the Olympic dream was motivating and partially the reason I went into sports and exercise medicine.
“I remember watching the them at home and thinking to myself, ‘that’s so amazing, I want to be part of that one day.’ Although I was not going to be able to go as an athlete, the Olympic dream was motivating and partially the reason I went into sports and exercise medicine. ”
The opportunity to realize this dream comes from my involvement over the past years at the National Sport Institute in Montreal (INS). I started working with the short track speed skating team, and eventually became their team doctor. I would follow them in the clinic but also travel to international competitions in the years and months leading up to an Olympic Games. In Beijing, I will be 100% dedicated to the 16 athletes that have been selected to participate in the 2022 Winter Games.
I am part of the support staff working in the multidisciplinary team. If I am not busy, that is a good thing. It is a dangerous sport, skating at high speeds with long blades on their skates and lots of potential for injuries. I am present at the venue during training and competition to provide urgent medical care if needed. If the athletes develop any injuries or illness, it is my job to assess them and lead all medical interventions. I ensure that they have the best customized plan so they can recover quickly, maintain their level of fitness, have a step by step return to sport progression and the goal is that they are able to perform at their best when they are on the start line. I have been traveling with the team all year long, which has really helped me get to the know the athletes. Knowing each athlete more personally facilitates my work as the team doctor.
Q: How did you prepare for the Games?
The pandemic certainly made it more challenging to prepare. . However, it was important to stay focused on the end goal by staying healthy, exercising regularly and trying to maintain a work-life balance. The work with the athletes and the team can be demanding but it is always extremely rewarding. In order to be able to help others though, I know it’s important to carve out some time for myself so I’m ready to go when the time comes. We were fortunate to attend a test event in China in fall 2021, for one of the World Cup competitions. It was a great opportunity to check in the venue for short track speed skating, as the same location is being used for competition during the Beijing Games. We were able to familiarize ourselves with the layout and it made us even more confident going into competition.
Q: Do you have any advice for the recreational athletes out there?
Striking a balance in your life is incredibly important. Sleeping, resting, exercising and maintaining your mental and physical well-being are important to staying on track with your goals.
Additionally, it is important to seek medical attention when needed. Do not hesitate to see a health care professional if you develop an illness or injury. Oftentimes patients wait too long before seeking help and it starts to affect them in their daily activities. It is key to have a realistic, well-built plan to return to your sport or activity. Physicians specialized in sport medicine and exercise can help you achieve your goals.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most during your first Olympic experience?
I am excited for the whole experience of being in Beijing. Feeling that adrenaline day in and day out, living those special Olympic moments with the athletes and the entire Canadian team.