DES PLAINES, Ill., July 24, 2020 — Dr. Roger Chams, of Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois, played a key role in assisting the National Women’s Soccer League in their return to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in Utah on June 27th, 2020.
As Chicago Red Stars Medical Director and Team Physician, Dr. Chams was selected to be on the 15-physician task force assembled to ensure player safety by designing strict health protocols for returning to play.
As part of these protocols, the league’s 370 players and staff are living in a sequestered “athlete village,” away from the general public. This “athlete village” includes dormitories, as well options for meals, and practice fields. Players and staff are also frequently tested and closely monitored for their health. Additional protocols involving extensive contact tracing and further testing are in place in case any positive tests are returned.
“It was an honor to be selected to join the physician team assigned with getting the NWSL back in action,” said Chams. He added, “As Chicago Red Stars Medical Director and Team Physician, the safety and health of the players is my greatest concern, so it was my pleasure to assist in getting the right protocols in place to make sure we're doing what we can to provide the safest environment for the athletes and staff.”
The NWSL was the first professional domestic contact sports league to restart play, returning to action June 27, due in large part to the extensive work and preparation done by Dr. Chams and the other physicians on the task force. Having held off Sky Blue FC in a tight finish in the semifinal round on Wednesday, the Chicago Red Stars are off to the NWSL Challenge Cup final. You can watch the final live on CBS, Sunday July 26 at 11:30 am CT.
About Illinois Bone & Joint Institute
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, is one of the largest independent physician-owned orthopedic practices in Illinois. IBJI is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care to your family for every orthopedic specialty with leading-edge technology and innovative treatment options. For more information, please visit ibji.com.
