Dear Colleagues,
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 5th International Extreme Sports Medicine Congress at the beautiful Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
This world-renowned meeting brings together a diverse and passionate community of leaders in sports medicine, united by a shared commitment to advancing the care of extreme and adventure athletes.
Over the next two days, we will explore a wide range of topics at the forefront of extreme, adventure, and ultra-endurance sports The program features a fast-paced agenda with an outstanding lineup of speakers Sessions will address common injuries associated with extreme sports, the personality and psychology of extreme athletes, and cutting-edge research in endurance performance. Additional discussions will delve into endocrine stress reactivity, genetics in adventure athletes, surgical interventions and trauma, prevention and rehabilitation strategies, as well as near misses, fatalities, and environmental considerations unique to these disciplines
Whether you are a seasoned clinician or newly engaged in the care of extreme and adventure sports participants, we are confident you will find this congress both intellectually stimulating and clinically relevant. The meeting is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide practical insights you can bring back to your practice.
We are also excited to offer guided activities once again during the meeting, an opportunity to experience firsthand the environment just outside the doors of the Montage that inspires so much of our work
We look forward to engaging discussions, meaningful connections, and the continued advancement of extreme sports medicine together
Thank you for being part of this exceptional community
Warm regards,
Omer Mei-Dan and Aaron Provance
Course Directors
Dr. Omer Mei-Dan Dr. Mei-Dan is a double board-certified Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and serves as the Chief of the Hip Preservation Service at CU He has published more than 150 peerreviewed publications on topics such as PRP and the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, and he is the editor of the first textbook on extreme sports injuries
Dr. Aaron Provance specializes in pediatric sports medicine. He now serves as the pediatric sports medicine director within the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah His practice includes management of all pediatric and adolescent sports injuries/fractures He has a special interest in adventure and extreme sports injuries including mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing/snowboarding injuries
Explore Park City
Park City is a year-round destination with world-class resorts, Olympic venues, and 400+ miles of trails From skiing and snowboarding to hiking, biking, and fishing, it offers an authentic alpine experience for all
Thank you to our speakers.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our distinguished speakers for their invaluable contributions to the 5th International Extreme Sports Medicine Congress. Their expertise, insight, and commitment to advancing the field are central to the strength of this program.
We appreciate their time, dedication, and willingness to share knowledge that informs, challenges, and inspires our global community.
Click or scan the QR code to view the full speaker list and read their biographies.
6:30-8:00
7:30-8:50
8:50-9:00
FRIDAY, JUNE 5th
Guided Activities | HIIT, rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, hiking
Breakfast & Registration
Opening Remarks
Physiology and Trauma in High-Stakes Environments Session 1
Moderator | Omer Mei-Dan, MD
9:00-9:10
9:10-9:20
9:20-9:30
9:30-9:40
9:40-9:50
9:50-10:00
10:00-10:10
10:10-10:20
10:20-10:30
10:30-10:40
10:40-10:50
10:50-11:00
11:00-11:10
Skimo: The Ski-Mountaineering Dilemma: Is it Harder on Your Heart or Legs?
Volker Schöffl, MD
The Genetics and Physiology of Breath-Hold Diving: The Human Adaptation
Melissa Ilardo, PhD
Base Jumping Injuries and Fatalities: Is Experience Good or Bad?
Omer Mei-Dan, MD
Formula 1 Injury Mechanism: Survive to Drive
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
Commando and Military Injuries: Late Night Stories
Noam Reshef, MD
Update on CrossFit Injuries: Extreme Indoors
Laura Vogel, MD
High Altitude Medicine: What’s the Deal with This Oxygen?
Linda Keyes, MD
Rodeo Injuries: Did Someone See My Thumb?
Jason Stoneback, MD
Mistakes That Will Kill You:
Rescue Operations Takeaways from Denali to the Tetons
David Weber
Offshore Sailing Injuries: From the Ocean Race to the Vendée Globe
Andrew Nathanson, MD, FACEP, FAWM
Alpine Ski Racing Injuries: Super G or Superman
Bob Poehling
Q&A
Refreshment Break
Session 2
The Science of Risk: Extreme Athletes, Injuries, and Performance
Moderator | Andrew Nathanson, MD, FACEP, FAWM
11:10-11:20
11:20-11:30
11:30-11:40
11:40-11:50
11:50-12:00
12:00-12:10
12:10-12:20
12:20-12:30
12:30-12:40
12:40-01:20
The High Price of Shredding: Catastrophic MTB Injuries
Meredith Ehn, DO, DPT, CAQSM
Dietary Supplements: The Slot Machines of Wellness
Nicholas Tiller, MD
Wing Suit Base Jumping Fatalities: Flying Too Close to the Sun
Omer Mei-Dan, MD
The Science of HIIT: Exploring the Medical Role of Intensity in Training Efficiency
Jordan Metzl, MD
Snowboarding – Double Backflip Landing on Your Head Kind of Thing
Brett Toresdahl, MD
Personality Characteristics of Extreme Athletes: Do we ever change?
Erik Monasterio, MD
Surfing Injuries: From Big Waves to Foiling
Andrew Nathanson, MD, FACEP, FAWM
Preventing Backcountry Avalanche Fatalities: Rolling in The Deep Paige Pagnucco
Q&A
Lunch
Session 3 Challenges and Advancements in Extreme Sports Medicine
Moderator | Brett Toresdahl, MD
1:20-1:30
1:30-1:40
1:40-1:50
1:50-2:00
2:00-2:10
2:10-2:20
2:20-2:30
2:30-2:40
2:40-2:50
2:50-3:00
3:00-3:10
GLP1 Effects on Athletic Activity - Ozempic Tales
Jocelyn Wittstein, MD
Gynecologic Health in Female Ultramarathon Runners
Isa Schöffl, MD
Beyond the Shell: Have We Hit the Ceiling on Ski Helmet Protection?
Irving S. Scher, PhD, PE
Sports Specific RTP from Concussion in the Extreme Sports Medicine
Sherrie Ballantine-Talmadge, DO
The Ultimate Balance of Endurance and Precision: U.S. Biathlon
Brett Toresdahl, MD
Extreme Sports in the Olympic Games: New Trends in Climbing Injuries
Volker Schöffl, MD
Osseointegration: From the Top of Everest to Paralympics
Jason Stoneback, MD
Injuries and Fatalities in Kite Surfing: Has the Olympic Committee Gone Nuts?
Francesco Feletti, MD, PHD
Search and Rescue - More than Helicopter Parenting
David Weber
Q&A
Refreshment Break
The Aging Extreme Sports Athlete Session 4
Moderator | Volker Schöffl, MD
3:10-3:20
3:20-3:30
3:30-3:40
3:40-3:50
3:50-4:00
4:00-4:10
4:10-4:20
4:20-4:30
4:30-4:40
4:40-4:50
5:30-7:30
Golden Agers: Injury Profiles in Older Climbers
Volker Schöffl, MD
"Surfiatrics": Or How to Age into Extreme Sports
Andrew Nathanson, MD, FACEP, FAWM
Atrial Fibrillation in The Aging Endurance Athlete: Out of Rhythm
Ben Levine, MD
Bone and Joint Optimization in Female Masters Athlete
Jocelyn Wittstein, MD
Which Injection Should I Get to Keep Me Going: Are You on Steroids, or PRP?
Brian Cole, MD, MBA
Return to Extreme Level Athletism After Ceramic Hip Resurfacing
David Young, MD
Returning to High Level Sports After Shoulder Replacement
Jonathan Bravman, MD
Maximizing Endurance Longevity: Training and Competing in Later Life
Nicholas Tiller, MD
Menopause in the Mountains: Still Here, Still Climbing
Linda Keyes, MD
Q&A
Keynote Address & Reception
Primal Instincts to Thrive in Modern Times: Self-transcendence, extreme athletes, psychopathic offenders and the hominid genome
Erik Monasterio, MD
SATURDAY, JUNE 6th
Breakfast 7:00-8:00
Session 1
8:00-8:10
8:10-8:20
8:20-8:30
8:30-8:40
8:40-8:50
8:50-9:00
9:00-9:10
9:10-9:15
Inclusive Extreme Athlete Care: From Pediatric to Prenatal to Para-Athletes
Moderator | Aaron Provance, MD
Can I Skydive, Climb Everest and Do an Ironman During Pregnancy?
Linda Keyes, MD
The Extreme Adaptive Athlete: Breaking Barriers
Stuart Willick, MD
Extreme Sports in Health Policies: Madness or Real Opportunity
Francesco Feletti, MD, PHD
Climbing Rehab Paradigms
Katey Blumenthal, DPT
Sport Specialization in Young Athletes in 2026: Are We Helping Young Athletes by Making Them Chose?
Jordan Metzl, MD
Update on Finger Injuries in Youth Rock Climbers
Rachel Meyers, MD
Uphill Battles, Downhill Victories: Youth MTB Racing
Aaron Provance, MD
Session 2
9:15-9:25
9:25-9:35
9:35-9:45
9:45-9:55
9:55-10:05
10:05-10:15
10:15-10:25
10:25-10:35
10:35-10:45
10:45-10:55
10:55-11:05
11:05-11:15
11:15-11:25
Session
3
11:25-11:35
11:35-11:45
11:45-11:55
11:55-12:05
12:05-12 15
12:15-12:25
Diagnosis & Treatment Dilemmas: Surgical Intervention & Major Trauma
Moderator | Eric McCarty, MD
Update on ACL Treatment in the Extreme Athlete
Travis Maak, MD
Hamstring Injuries in Long Distance Runners: It is a Pain in the Butt
James Genuario, MD
Shoulder Instability in Consequence Athletes: Can I Open My Parachute now?
Eric McCarty, MD
Foot and Ankle Injuries: Don’t Break a Leg
Kenneth Hunt, MD
Spine Injuries in the Extreme Sports Athlete: What if I Can’t Feel My Feet?
Sonny Gill, MD
Fixing Clavicle Fractures in Downhill MTB: Can I Ride the Same Week?
Jonathan Bravman, MD
Guidelines for Treatment of Open Fractures in the Field
Jason Stoneback, MD
The Price of Going Big: AC Joint Injuries
Justin Ernat, MD
Can I Win Ultras and Climb 5 14’s after a PAO for Hip Dysplasia
Omer Mei-Dan, MD
Biceps Tenodesis in the Elite Climbers and Kayakers: Where Do We Anchor It?
Eric McCarty, MD
Knee Joint Preservation: Can we get them back in action or is it really a Hail Mary?
Brian Cole, MD, MBA
Q&A
Refreshment Break
Insights Across the Spectrum
Moderator | Isa Schöffl, MD
"Surviving the Sun" | Cancer, Aging or Chemicals: Treat Your Poison
Andrew Nathanson, MD, FACEP, FAWM
The “Big Heart” of Climbers: Cardiac Adaptation in Elite Athletes/VO2max
Ben Levine, MD
Genomic Signatures of Human Performance: Extreme Athletes and Human Potential
Melissa Ilardo, PhD
How to Maintain Bone Density in Space: NASA Vibrations
Jocelyn Wittstein, MD
Ski Boot-Binding Interfaces and Season-Ending Knee Injuries
Irving Scher, PhD, PE
What's Vagal Tone Got To Do With It? Building a Resilient Nervous System
Heather Gill, PhD
12:25-12:35
12:35-12:45
12:45-12:50
12:50-1:30
A Continuum-of-Care Framework: Crisis Advocacy, Social Work & Psychotherapy
Chloe Svolakos, LCSW
Managing Energy Deficiency in Endurance Athletes
Isa Schöffl, MD
Q&A
Lunch
Session 4
1:30-1:40
1:40-1:50
1:50-2:00
2:00-2:10
2:10-2:20
2:20-2:30
2:30-2:40
2:40-2:50
2:50-3:00
Session 5
3:00-3:10
3:10-3:20
3:20-3:30
3:30-3:40
3:40-3:50
3:50-4:00
4:00-4:10 4:10
Rehabilitation & Prevention
Moderator | Aaron Provance, MD
Lower Extremity Rehab: Implications of Premature Clearance
Emily Spiegelberg, PT
Spinal Torsion and Shear Forces: Cross Training for Extreme Sport Athletes
Audrey Mallon
Run to the Finish Line, Not to the Bathroom: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in the Endurance Athlete
Jenna Welton Noel, PT, DPT, OCS, CAPP-P
Upper Extremity Rehab: On the Shoulders of Giants
Katey Blumenthal, DPT
Rehab at High Performance: The Role of Objective Feedback
Greg Rickenbacker, PT, DPT
Can Pre-Activity Checklist Save Extreme Sports Athletes Lives?
Ben Mei-Dan
Returning to Extreme Sport After Respiratory Illness: Back Too Soon?
Nicholas Tiller, MD
Return to Sport Clearance of the Extreme Athlete – A Death Trap
Omer Mei-Dan, MD
Q&A
The Expedition Team Physician
Moderator | Omer Mei-Dan, MD
Challenging Sideline Coverage: Equestrian Sports Medicine
Sherrie Ballantine-Talmadge, DO
Team Physician Work: How to Prepare for an NBA Game vs. a World Cup Ski Race
Carrie Jaworski, MD
Medical Coverage in Space: The NASA Thing
Jay Lemery, MD
The Expedition and High-altitude Environments Team physician
Maximiliano Smolkin, MD
Protecting Both Sides: Evolution of Emergency Preparedness in Sports Medicine
Carrie Jaworski, MD
Wilderness Medicine Fellowship: Sea to Summit to Sky
Scott McIntosh, MD
Round Table Discussion: Wilderness Medicine Fellowship and Position Statement Paper
Q&A & Conclusion | Depart for Afternoon Guided Activities
Thank you to our sponsors.
We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors and partners for their generous support of the 5th International Extreme Sports Medicine Congress. Their commitment to advancing innovation, education, and patient care in sports medicine helps make this meeting possible. Through their partnership, we are able to bring together a global community dedicated to improving the health and performance of extreme and adventure athletes.
K2 Sponsors
Smith and Nephew
Stryker
Tag Medical Products
Denali Sponsors
Arthrex
Bioventus
MedSol
Pacific Medical, Inc.
Top Shelf Orthopedics
Zero Gravity
Zimmer Biomet
Recognition Sponsors
Backcountry
BTI
Partners
American College of Sports Medicine
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Healio Orthopedics Today
Utah Avalanche Center
Wilderness Medical Society
On March 18, 1911, the Utah State Legislature designated the sego lily as the state flower
Utah is called the honeybee state Its one word motto ”Industry” and beehive emblem reflect Utah’s pioneering spirit and commitment to hard work.
6:30 AM SAT FRI 4:30 PM
6:30 AM SAT FRI 4:30 PM
6:30 AM SAT FRI 4:30 PM
6:30 AM SAT FRI 4:30 PM
6:30 AM SAT FRI 4:30 PM
HIIT
Led by Jordan Metzl (Fri ), Annika Lenz (Sat ) Hotel Lawn/Conference Room
BRING: water, sun protection
PROVIDED: mats
ROCK CLIMBING
Led by Katey Blumenthal, Volker Schoffl, Isa Schoffl Echo Canyon | Bouldering (Fri), Crag (Sat)
BRING: climbing shoes, harnesses*, water, sun protection, snacks
PROVIDED: ropes, anchors, helmets, (*provided if you don’t have your own)
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Led by Aaron Provance Park City / Deer Valley Trails
BRING: water, sun protection, snacks
PARTICPANT RENTAL**: bikes, helmets
TRAIL RUNNING
Led by Brett Toresdahl Local Trail System
BRING: trail running shoes, water, sun protection, snacks
HIKING
Led by Rachel Meyers Local Hiking Trails
BRING: hiking shoes, water, sun protection, light pack, snacks
YOGA
BRING: water, sun protection SAT 4:30 PM
Led by Janelle Holter Hotel Lawn/Conference Room
** Bike rentals:
If you plan on the Mountain Biking activity, you may bring your own bike or arrange a rental from Christy Sports Deer Valley or Switchback Sports Park City
