USA Lacrosse interviews HSS sports medicine surgeon Karen M. Sutton, MD, who also serves as the chief medical officer for World Lacrosse and Head Team Physician for the U.S. Women’s Lacrosse team, about her professional and personal accomplishments and philosophies as a surgeon, researcher, athlete, coach and mother of four children.

Dr. Sutton emphasized the need for kids to be active, including her own. “I think lacrosse, and all youth sports, help to keep kids on a great path in life. My kids have a great passion for lacrosse, but they are also involved with basketball, soccer, skiing, and just about anything else that is outdoors.”

Her longstanding commitment to treating everyone from elite level athletes to youth players has never wavered. Dr. Sutton explained, “I think my background as an athlete has helped me to relate to the athletes and patients that I treat. Sometimes, they seek me out because of my lacrosse background, which maybe provides them with some authenticity.”

As part of her holistic treatment approach, it is important to highlight the mental and physical parts of patient care. Dr. Sutton added, “I’m very quick to talk to athletes about potentially having a sports psychologist involved in their care. What I’ve learned is that what your body is going through is often related to what your mind is feeling.”

Dr. Sutton prioritizes her own personal and mental health, which starts with a 5 a.m. wake-up call to start her day with physical training. “It’s part of my daily routine. I have to take care of myself in order to take care of others. That makes me a better person,” noted Dr. Sutton.

Read the full article at USALacrosse.com.