Vail orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Peter Millett, was recently invited to speak as a guest lecturer on complex shoulder, knee and elbow injuries at the US West Point Military Academy. His presence as a visiting professor allowed him the opportunity to visit cadets with complex shoulder and knee injuries, as well as to provide specific instruction, hands-on consultation and specialized analyses with current West Point orthopedic staff members and Army personnel.
The time spent as a West Point Academy guest speaker provided Dr. Peter Millett with an eye-opening, first-hand glance at how the cadets at the Academy train and are physically disciplined. Dr. Millett is known world-wide as a Vail orthopedic shoulder surgeon who treats athletes and highly active individuals with intricate shoulder and knee injuries (see Injury Overview). His first day of the structured West Point Academy guest speaker 3-day tour started with a specialized clinic for the cadets where he saw military students with complex shoulder and knee injuries and consulted with each of them on their specific situation. He was also given the opportunity to see the famous West Point Academy Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCT).
“Witnessing the infamous IOCT, that every cadet must pass in order to graduate, was truly awesome. The drive, spirit, and athleticism that each cadet showed while performing this test were amazing. I now know why the cadets need the best orthopedic surgeons to care for them. This course puts them at their limit in terms of endurance, strength and physical power,” said Dr. Millett.
The second phase of Dr. Millett’s visit provided a didactic session during which a discussion regarding interesting cases of sports medicine injuries and treatments were highlighted by Dr. Millett and other West Point orthopedic surgeons. Current research and educational studies associated with shoulder trauma, injury and advanced orthopedic procedures were also shared between the parties. A presentation by Millett followed for the Keller Army Hospital Grand Rounds on the topic entitled “Rotator Cuff Tears in the shoulder: Advanced Strategies for Surgical Repair.” Dr. Millett ended his tour on the sidelines—alongside Army team doctors for the Army – Air Force football game.
According to Dr. Millett, “It was such an honor for me to come to West Point and help the orthopedic surgeons here who are caring for our current active duty soldiers and for our future soldiers—the US Military Academy Cadets. For me, these people are the real heroes and patriots. I am truly humbled to be in their presence. It is a wonderful privilege for me to be able to share my expertise so it can help them.”
Dr. Millett hopes to return to West Point Academy at a later planning date to further discuss complex shoulder, knee and elbow injuries with the Academy’s orthopedic staff, as well as gain the opportunity to meet and consult with future cadets.
