Michigan Concussion Specialist Headed To Sochi For The Olympic Games
ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - A Southeast Michigan doctor will have a front row seat to the Olympics in Russia — but not as a spectator.
University of Michigan sports concussion specialist Dr. Jeff Kutcher is heading to Sochi to evaluate and treat brain injuries during the winter games.
Kutcher said it's more evidence of the growing concern about head trauma in sports, telling WWJ's Sean Lee he'll have no problem telling an athlete he or she can't go for a medal if they have a concussion at the games.
"The issue is, if I let them return to competition and they are impaired in some way and it's unsafe for them to continue to participate that would potentially lead to a more dangerous or life-threatening injury," he said, "and that's the way I have to look at this."
Kutcher, who grew up skiing and playing hockey, is very excited about the opportunity to provide neurological care for all the U.S. athletes and the NHL players from all countries.
He said he hopes there won't be a lot for him to handle professionally, but he's there just in case.
Dr. Kutcher will be tweeting from the Olympics.
You can follow him at @JeffKutcherMD.