Dr. Jo Hannafin of Greenwich Honored as Physician of the Year by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.

Stamford (Conn.) Plus—April 5, 2013

Jo A. Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., of Greenwich, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery’s Physician Office in Old Greenwich and at the main hospital in New York City, was recently honored by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. as a Physician of the Year. This annual national award was presented at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, March 18.

Awards are given to physicians who are nationally recognized leaders and contributors in their specialties. Dr. Hannafin was among three physicians who received the Clinical Excellence Award, recognizing physicians who exemplify excellence in clinical medical practice.

"I am deeply honored to have been selected to receive this award by Castle Connolly and I want to thank my colleagues at Hospital for Special Surgery for supporting me and trusting in my professional qualities," said Dr. Hannafin. "In addition, I would like to acknowledge my patients who entrust their care to me and serve as my constant motivation to strive for excellence."

A lifelong rower and a physician for the U.S. Olympic Rowing team, Dr. Hannafin knows how debilitating an injury can be to an athlete, and she has dedicated her research and clinical practice to the treatment of athletic injuries.

“Surgical care of the injured athlete is an important part of what we do, but as orthopedic surgeons, we need to remain involved in all aspects of the treatment of our athletes," Dr. Hannafin said. "Nonsurgical care and prevention of sports-related injury remain a critical part of our mission as sports medicine physicians."

As the director of Orthopedic Research and orthopedic director for the Women's Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Hannafin focuses on injury treatment and prevention in the field of orthopedic sports medicine. She has published more than 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals, written 20 book chapters and co-authored the book, "Say Goodbye to Knee Pain." She was the first clinician-scientist at HSS with a research program in ligament physiology.

Dr. Hannafin is currently the Head Team Physician for the WNBA New York Liberty and a Team Physician for the United States Rowing Team. She was a three-time national rowing champion and silver medalist at the 1984 World Championships. Dr. Hannafin has been a team physician for the U.S. Rowing Team since 1994 and served as Assistant Team Physician for the NY Mets, and Team Physician for the WUSA NY Power. She is a member of the FISA Medical Commission and is the Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the National Rowing Foundation.

Dr. Hannafin is the President-elect of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and will begin her term as the first female president in July 2014. She is married to John Brisson and has three children, Andrew, Caitlin and Connor.

Read the full story at stamfordplus.com.