Thank You, Dr. D

Honoring a Longtime Volunteer

Earlier this year, Dr. Don D’Alessandro retired from practice as an orthopedic surgeon and as Country Day’s dedicated team physician since 1990. It takes a special volunteer to devote 28 years to the well-being of our student-athletes and to our culture of caring.

To honor Dr. D, a tribute page was set up last spring, and several individuals have contributed more than $15,000 in honor of Dr. D. If you would like to participate, please visit charlottecountryday.org/HonorDrD.

For nearly three decades, athletic trainers, coaches, and concerned parents have turned to Dr. Don D’Alessandro to provide expert advice and compassionate care for injured Buccaneer athletes. Yet, “Dr. D,” as he is affectionately known, made an impact on the Country Day sports community that goes far beyond his skill as a sports medicine physician and surgeon. Quite simply, Dr. D has been a constant.

He has guided our world-class sports medicine trainers as a friend and mentor. He led a continuing education program for team trainers that is now reaching the next generation of sideline first responders. He has set a standard for team physicians to be an integral andtransformative part of a vibrant, functional, and essential school community rather than just a Friday night sideline volunteer.

Dr. D’Alessandro is also a father to three Country Day graduates, Billy ’04, Tommy ’06, and Dave ’10; and his wife, Sally, was a dedicated Boosters Club volunteer.

Don’s wisdom, guidance, and willingness to educate has raised the level of care not only for our athletes, but for athletes throughout the region. We could not even begin to count the number of calls he has taken, athletic training room visits he has made, sideline coverage he has provided, office visits he has squeezed in, living room consultations he has had, and surgeries he has performed for the Country Day family. He is one of a kind and his kindness, humbleness, and easygoing nature set him apart from the rest.”

—Monica Erb, associate director of athletics and director of Sports Medicine

Hands down the best part of our son Tate’s injury was the care he received from Dr. D His medical expertise and empathy in treating him from start to finish was a game changer, so to speak! Dr. D is an institution and represents the very best of the Country Day community.”

—Signe Davis

Dr. D, I can’t thank you enough for your service to Country Day athletics. You truly were an institution with your constant presence on the sidelines of every game and in the training room whenever there was an athlete in need. Your passion and empathy for Country Day athletes helped us all through difficult times in our young lives, and we certainly emerged in better shape, both physically and emotionally, after your care. We wish you all the best in retirement.”

—Hill Hamrick ’09

He was there for me during the toughest period of my young life, after I suffered a major knee injury. I can’t begin to tell you how appreciative I am for the ongoing support and multiple successful surgeries that have led to my injury being an afterthought in my daily life. Thank you for all you’ve done for the Country Day community!”

—Keller Sipe ’10