The Washington Football Team is losing its head physician and her medical team. Inova Health System announced Friday its medical team led by the renown Dr. Robin West will be ending its partnership with the NFL team.
West and her team have provided medical care for Washington the past five seasons. Her departure from the team is considered widely significant. West was lead on all 17 surgeries and rehab for quarterback Alex Smith following his gruesome leg injury in 2018.
West, who is the chairman of Inova’s sports medicine, is also the lead team physician of the Washington Nationals of MLB.
In its statement, Inova said the company is refocusing the direction of its orthopedic division.
“The transition away from serving as the team’s lead medical provider will allow Inova’s orthopedic leadership team to focus on business and growth opportunities related to the health system’s Musculoskeletal Service line and the opening of Inova’s planned new hospital in Springfield, VA, which will serve as the hub for these services,” the statement said, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Matthew Paras of the Washington Times notes, Inova will maintain its sponsorship of Wsahington for the 2021 season.
The Washington Football Team released a statement in response to Inova ending its partnership.
“Inova has been a great partner to the Washington Football Team,” the team said in the statement. “We wish Dr. West and her team the best. We also want to thank Inova’s leadership and all of their frontline healthcare workers for their dedication to caring for our DMV community during this unprecedented year.”
Dr. Anthony Casolaro will remain as one of Washington’s lead physicians while head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew search for a replacement for Dr. West, Jhabvala notes.
