Meet the Olympic team physician for Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Anyl Gopeesingh explains what it takes to treat the world’s most elite athletes
To mark the Olympic Games in Rio, we have invited team physicians from around the world to discuss their practices with Figure 1’s community of more than one million healthcare professionals. Dr. Anyl Gopeesingh (@anylgopeesingh) works with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic committee, and has served as the Team Physician for the CAC games, Pan-Am Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and many others. His passion for treating elite athletes drives his practice, and he understands the importance of a team approach to the successful management of injuries.
On August 4, 2016, Dr. Gopeesingh participated in a Figure 1 on 1 conversation that started with questions about “the media’s portrayal of raw sewage, and ‘Third World like’ conditions in Rio”. In response, Dr. Gopeesingh said, “I have been to games of all levels and adapted.” Trinidad and Tobago is sending 32 athletes to compete in what are officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.
Here are some of the highlights of our Figure 1 on 1. You can read the entire Q&A on Figure 1.
MAIN DIFFERENCE: MOSQUITO REPELLENT
Healthcare professionals were curious about mosquito-borne viruses that have plagued the Rio games. A physiotherapist asked, “Are you prepared with different medications [than] you would normally carry?” Anyl responded, “I do carry a standard bag that has a multitude of meds… I think the village and the Games will be fine. Main difference: Mosquito repellent!”
DIFFICULT DIAGNOSES AND UNEXPECTED VICTORIES
A student asked if Dr. Gopeesingh has ever “had to give a diagnosis that would alter the path of an athlete’s career”. He had, and he explained his process: “I have learned over the years to have a group discussion with the athlete, their family and their coaches all in one room. I present the injury or illness and present the pros and cons of continued play. It’s difficult to tell someone not to play. I have had to break this to someone qualifying for an Olympic games.” Dr. Gopeesingh reported that the athlete won a silver medal just four years later.
FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER
Working with elite athletes means treating the world’s strongest and fastest. One emergency medicine technician commented, “We’ve seen athletes brought down physical barriers for the last couple of decades. How much more do you think the human body can withstand?” Dr. Gopeesingh replied that this evolution has some downsides. “Not surprisingly, we see that those who break these barriers have injuries. But the continued advent of technology in training and recovery affords an open sea of possibilities (drug free of course).”
In the 2012 games, Trinidad and Tobago won one gold medal, one silver medal, and two bronze medals in their best showing to date. The 2016 games start today.
