Get to Know Dr. Sommer Hammoud, Rothman Sports Medicine Surgeon and Head Team Physician of Drexel University Athletics

Dr. Sommer Hammoud is a sports medicine surgeon and specializes in sports related injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow. She currently serves as the Head Team Physician of Drexel University Athletics as a part of Rothman Orthopaedics “Team Behind the Team.”

What piqued your interest in sports medicine?

Being a former collegiate athlete had a role, but I also love sideline coverage and keeping athletes of all levels and my patients active and doing what they love. I was also drawn to the variety of procedures that could be performed with a focus on arthroscopic and minimally-invasive techniques.

As a former collegiate athlete, what’s your approach to treating other collegiate athletes?

I understand their passion for their sport and the desire to not be sidelined by an injury. The experience of being a collegiate athlete was one of the most memorable and formative times in my life as it is in theirs. I want to preserve that to the greatest extent possible, keeping them in the game. I look to prevent injuries first and foremost, but then also manage and treat injuries with a focus on minimizing the negative impact and time away from their sport.

What are some of the most common injuries you’ve seen among the student-athlete population?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and knee ligament tears in general, are by far the most common injuries I see that require surgical intervention. Meniscus tears and cartilage injuries are also common among athletes. In the shoulder, labral tears and shoulder dislocations are the most frequent injuries that I see.

Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing sports medicine?

Sports Medicine offers so many avenues of involvement from athletic training to physical therapy and physician involvement. I recommend figuring out what you love and finding opportunities to observe or shadow those who are already doing it. It’s also important to ask for advice, mentorship and sponsorship when appropriate. Learn how to talk to athletes of all levels. Gaining the trust of the athletes you treat is essential to your success.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Hammoud’s background. If you’re in need of orthopaedic attention, learn more about our service offerings here.