U.S. Ski & Snowboard Names Dr. Joseph J. Ruzbarsky Head Team Physician

News related to:U.S. Ski & Snowboard · 2 min read
Aspen, CO, Oct. 12, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- U.S. Ski & Snowboard has appointed Dr. Joseph J. Ruzbarsky as the Head Team Physician for the snowboard team, effective immediately. This move comes after Dr. Ruzbarsky completed his fellowships at Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), where he honed his skills in sports medicine and hip preservation.
Dr. Ruzbarsky, a shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow preservation surgeon at The Steadman Clinic, takes over the role from Dr. Thomas R. Hackett, who was recently promoted to Chief Medical Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Dr. Ruzbarsky's appointment is seen as a continuation of the legacy of excellence in medical care for elite athletes, as he will be responsible for ensuring the health and performance of the U.S. Snowboard Team.
Dr. Ruzbarsky's journey to this position began with his education and training. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010 and completed his medical school in 2014. Following medical school, he moved to Manhattan for his surgical internship at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery. His expertise in orthopaedic surgery led him to Vail, where he completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at The Steadman Clinic and SPRI in 2020, followed by a Hip Preservation Fellowship in 2021.
Dr. Ruzbarsky credits his readiness for the opportunity to serve as the snowboard team’s head physician to his experience at The Steadman Clinic and SPRI, particularly to his many mentors there.
Dr. Ruzbarsky will continue his active orthopaedic and sports medicine practice at The Steadman Clinic’s Aspen and Basalt locations. He will work closely with Dr. Adam Wilson, based out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who will serve as Co-Head of the U.S. Snowboard Team. Dr. Ruzbarsky's appointment is seen as a testament to the continued commitment of The Steadman Clinic and SPRI to cultivating the next generation of leaders in orthopaedic sports medicine.
Dr. Ruzbarsky's dedication to the profession and his leadership qualities make him well-suited for the role.
Dr. Ruzbarsky is excited to contribute to the health, performance, and long-term well-being of the U.S. Snowboard Team.
The appointment of Dr. Ruzbarsky as Head Team Physician for the U.S. Snowboard Team marks a significant step in the ongoing commitment to providing top-tier medical care for elite athletes. As the team prepares for upcoming competitions, including the World Cup circuit and Olympic Games, the focus remains on ensuring the health and peak performance of its athletes.