Podiatry Faculty Member Lends a Hand at the Special Olympics World Games

In late July, California School of Podiatric Medicine Assistant Professor, Tim Dutra (pictured far right), DPM, MS, headed to Los Angeles. Dutra joined the podiatric medical volunteer team for the Special Olympics World Games to help with the Healthy Athletes Fit Feet program at the USC Campus. 

“The Special Olympics involves athletes with intellectual disabilities, with over 4.4 million athletes competing globally each year. The Fit Feet Stations include: 1) biomechanical exam, 2) shoe and foot measurement, 3) gait analysis and foot posture assessment, and 4) foot education,” explained Dutra. 

Dr. Dutra has served as a medical staff volunteer for the Northern California Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games in the past. 

“This is my first experience with the World Games, and it was a great to work with our medical services team and the athletes from all over the world,” said Dutra. “The Special Olympics provides a great experience for the athletes, volunteers, and the spectators.”  

There were over 7000 athletes from over 170 nations, participating in 25 sports.  Venues included USC, UCLA, Long Beach, and L.A. Convention Center. The Fit Feet clinic went from 11 am to 7 pm every day. The team included US podiatrists, international podiatrists and doctors, podiatry residents, and podiatry students from the California podiatry schools.  A wide variety of foot conditions and pathologies were seen, with some of the busiest days approaching 1000 athletes a day.  

“The athletes really enjoyed the whole experience of the World Games and getting the opportunity to meet athletes and people from all over the world.”  Said Dutra. “It was great to get to watch some of the competitions at USC- basketball, swimming, and athletics (track and field).”

Dutra is Past President & Fellow, American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and on the Joint Commission of Sports Medicine & Science, Board of Directors. We’d like to thank him for sharing this experience with us. Great work, Dr. Dutra!

Photos:
Top left - Dr. Pat Nunan, Global Clinical Advisor, Dr. Rebecca Moellmer, and Dr. Tim Dutra at Healthy Athletes Fit Feet site at USC campus.
Bottom right - Healthy Athlete Fit Feet Tent with Special Olympic Athletes from all over the world lining up to go through for podiatric evaluations.