Medical Center Teams with Chicago Sky

Chicago - The University of Illinois Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has become the exclusive healthcare partners and team physicians for the WNBA Chicago team, named in an official press conference on September 20, 2005 as the Chicago Sky.

As the official team physicians for the Chicago Sky, the organization will receive round the clock coverage by a team of experts dedicated to preserving the health and wellness of the fine athletes and coaches of the WNBA’s

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Chicago Sky. The University of Illinois Medical Center Team doctors represent:

• Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
• Women’s Health, Gynecology and Obstetrics
• Internal Medicine
• Urgent Care
• Mental Health

“This is a first for many of us. The first professional women’s basketball team in Chicago and The University of Illinois Medical Center and UIC Physicians first partnership in care and community service with a professional sports team. We’re looking forward to a great future with the Chicago Sky”, said John DeNardo, Chief Executive Officer, University of Illinois at Chicago Healthcare Systems.

Head team physician for the Chicago Sky and also the Chicago Flames is Mark Hutchinson, MD a board certified orthopedic surgeon fellowship trained in sports medicine. Dr. Hutchinson has also served numerous voluntary and invited roles as head team physician, medical consultant, or event supervisor for USA Gymnastics, Chicago Cheetah's Professional Roller Hockey Team, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, United States Olympic Committee, and USA Women's Field Hockey.

Other physicians serving the Chicago Sky include “Top Doctors” Sarah Kilpatrick MD, PhD, Professor and Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Fred Arthur Zar, MD Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency and Medical Director of the Inpatient Medicine Unit and Timothy Erickson, MD who will serve as the team’s Emergency Medicine physician.

Dr. Erickson attended Chicago Medical School and has been an attending physician at the University of Illinois Medical Center for the past 14 years. He is the Director of the Emergency Residency Program and also, the Division of Toxicology. Dr. Erickson’s team in the Emergency Department will be on ‘ready alert’ during all WNBA home games and rapid diagnostic studies and consultations will be obtained when indicated.

In addition to Drs. Hutchison, Kilpatrick, Zar and Erickson, The University of Illinois Medical Center, under the direction of Jan Baldwin, Chief Ambulatory Officer, The Chicago Sky will have Cathy Glynn, RN as their team’s Personal Care Coordinator to provide players with assistance in scheduling appointments and phone consultations with team physicians and other specialists within the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago.

“We are so thrilled to enter into this partnership with the University of Illinois Medical Center. “said Margaret Stender, President and CEO of the Chicago Sky. “Their great medical team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for our athletes and coaches both on and off the court with a personalized approach that makes every individual feel valued and respected. We know we are in good hands.”

The Chicago Sky will begin play with the 2006 season at the UIC Pavilion, located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Chicago team will be the league’s 14th franchise and will play in the Eastern Conference. Season tickets for the Chicago Sky’s 2006 inaugural season are on sale at 877-329-WNBA (9622).