SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As the 2024 Paris Olympics draws closer, the excitement continues to build for the athletes, their families, the coaches and countless staff members.
One of the staff physicians chosen to be part of Team USA’s medical team is a plastic and reconstruction surgeon from Scottsdale.
“One of my favorite athletes… previous goal medalist, Steve Fraser,” said Dr. Lewis Albert Andres, speaking with 12 News, ahead of his next big adventure.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Un doctor de Scottsdale participará como médico del equipo de Estados Unidos durante los Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024
“I’ve been with Team USA for several years now,” Andres said. “I’ve been doing work with the United States Olympic Center since about 2008.”
The Scottsdale plastic and reconstruction surgeon will soon be part of the United States medical team at the Paris Olympics.
“Not only the skin checks, but also concussions, any of the ailments that they may have during their time abroad, but also in terms of any of the sports injuries,” said Dr. Andres.
In terms of plastic surgery, Andres takes care of any of the athletes that sustain facial fractures or lacerations.
“I’m quite proficient with hand surgery and the injuries with the upper extremities,” Andres said.
Dr. Andres says he’s always been interested in Team USA.
“Back in college, I was a division 1 wrestler, and so I wrestled for several years and tried to compete in the ‘92 and ‘96 games, then I ended my career for wrestling and then I went into medical school,” Andres said.
In fact, the accomplished former All-American wrestler competed at the collegiate, national, and international levels.
“I’ve always wanted to help and give back to a sport that gave me so much,” Andres added.
So, after medical school and residency he wanted to do more from a medical standpoint for Team USA, and now he’s been with Team USA since the 2008 games.
“It’s a big honor for me to be with Team USA,” said Dr. Andres. “I’ve always had such an admiration for all the athletes. It’s a lifelong goal for a lot of them, and I try to support them as much as I can.”
Dr. Andres still maintains an active lifestyle through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai kickboxing, fitness, soccer, and golf.
He also serves as a team physician for several local sports teams, including Sunkist Kids/Arizona State wrestling and Team USA wrestling.
His experience has been valuable in helping some of the athletes he's been thrilled to work with in the past.
“I do have some posters and things that some of the athletes have signed for me… a lot of the US wrestlers,” Andres said. “It’s been great having some of these athletes that you get to know.”
He reflected on his time working as a physician during the London Games and the Rio Games.
“Typically I do the combat sports, this time I’m going with entire Team USA and being more with the general physicians,” said Dr. Andres.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, he can’t wait to help Team USA from a medical standpoint in any way he can.
"Whatever I can do to help them get to their aspirations and their goals,” Andres said. “It’s a very big honor to be able to be chosen to be one of the staff physicians.”
It’s the letters of gratitude he’s received from Olympians later that mean so much.
“It’s been very heartwarming,” he said.
Dr. Andres is also passionate about volunteering on international medical missions several times a year, treating children born with cleft lips, palates, and other facial deformities through Operation Smile.
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