APMA News - July 2011 - (Page 55)

APMA All Stars Larry Oloff: Playing in the Big Leagues Larry Oloff, DPM, does not hesitate when asked what his favorite area of practice is: Sports medicine “has been an incredible learning experience,” he said. “It takes years to get good at it. I learn something new every week.” All those years of improving his own game have put Dr. Oloff at the pinnacle of podiatric sports medicine. After being intimidated the first few times he had sports stars in his office, Dr. Oloff soon began to view well-known athletes the same way he sees all his patients. “They are regular people, just like you and me,” he said, even noting his football hero, Y.A. Tittle, had an ink stain on his shirt sports was guaranteed. His associate Michael Dillingham, MD, was the team orthopedist for the San Francisco 49ers. The two developed a close working relationship that Dr. Oloff believes is critical to treating elite athletes. His work with the San Francisco 49ers eventually led to work with the San Francisco Giants. Stan Conte, the thenassistant trainer for the Giants, had worked with Dr. Oloff before and requested that he work with the team. Dr. Oloff now enjoys a close working relationship with Giants head trainer Dave Groeschner. During his stint with the Giants, Dr. Oloff has had some interesting experiences with celebrity athletes. Barry Bonds, former Giants outfielder and current home run leader, called Dr. Oloff’s cell phone to ask a question. Because he didn’t recognize the number, Dr. Oloff let the call go to voice mail. Although he chuckled when recalling the story, saying he hung up on Bonds, he did eventually call him back. When the Chicago Cubs were visiting San Francisco, Dr. Oloff was asked to check out Sammy Sosa’s foot. Not only did he have to diagnose Sosa during his record-breaking home run era, but Dr. Oloff had to do it in front of the rest of the team. “They were all concerned about him. He was the star of that team at the time,” he said. Fortunately, Sosa’s feet and ankles were fine, and his injuries were minor in the long run. Dr. Oloff cautioned that the professional team environment is complicated. A team podiatrist must communicate with many people when it comes to treating players. General managers, agents, and family all tend to contribute their opinions when it comes to a course of treatment. A team podiatrist has to leave his or her ego at the door, Dr. Oloff said. “There are many integral parts that are connected to the care of the athlete,” he said. “Everyone has to be on the same page before [moving] forward with definitive treatment.” Recently Dr. Oloff was in the news for being on the surgical team that performed season-ending surgery on Giants catcher Buster Posey. Posey, who was caught in a nasty home plate collision with Scott Cousins from the Florida Marlins, has a broken fibula and torn ankle ligaments. Dr. Oloff; Ken Akizuki, MD, Giants orthopedist; and Dr. Dillingham performed surgery on Posey to repair the ligaments in his ankle. Although Dr. Oloff has had a variety of clients, including professional and college baseball, hockey, and football players, he does have a favorite group to work with. “I think I’ve enjoyed working in baseball the most,” he said. “Baseball is like one big family. The players are nice, and everyone is so close. I think it’s because we are all together for a huge part of the year.” And yes, for those wondering, Dr. Oloff does have some bling for his work with the Giants. He has a ring from the 2002 National League Pennant and will be receiving a 2010 World Series ring. n APMA News July/August 2011 Dr. Oloff, right, discusses an X-ray with fellow medical professionals. when he first came into the office. “At some point you need to make the transition from fan to doctor to be effective in your job.” Dr. Oloff has more than 20 years of experience working with high-end athletes. His past positions include team podiatrist for Stanford University athletics, team podiatrist for the San Francisco 49ers, and team podiatrist for the US Decathlon Team. For the past 12 years, he has served as the team podiatrist for the San Francisco Giants and Santa Clara University Athletics. “Podiatry has always had a sports presence … with treating runners,” he said. “Now you are starting to see greater integration of podiatry within university and professional team sports.” For new podiatrists who are considering sports medicine, Dr. Oloff recommended starting with high school athletics and working their way up. “Gain experience before you try to enter the professional team sports arena,” he said. “You need to become very well acquainted with the sports culture.” Dr. Oloff began working with area junior colleges and eventually entered the arena of elite college athletics. When he joined SOAR (Sports Orthopedic and Rehabilitation), a nationally renowned multidisciplinary sports medicine group in the San Francisco Bay area, his entrée into professional 55

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - July 2011

APMA News - July 2011
President’s Message
Contents
PICA Reflects on its Past, Looks to the Future
APMA Media Event Wrap-Up: Toning Shoes Are All The Rage, Along with Podiatrists' Expert Advice
APMA Member Testifi es Before Congressional Committee on Health IT
Stepping Up to Prevent Falls: Part II
Resident Experts: CPME's Residency Evaluators Share Their Stories
Strategic Planning Retreat Underscores APMA Direction
Reimbursement
Can They Really Do That?
Members Who Know Media
Technofile
Young Voices
Federal Advocacy Forum
Small Business 101
CPME Update
APMAPAC Chair Report
APMA All Stars
In Short
Worthy of Note
Affiliates Corner
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Committee Nominations
Bylaws Propositions Due
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
Ten Questions

APMA News - July 2011