Meet Dr. Bill Sterett

“Innovation, creativity, and leading a new push towards Activity Preservation techniques keeps Dr. Sterett on the forefront of orthopaedic sports medicine in this country.”

Dr. William Sterett is a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, particularly knee and shoulder injuries. He has extensive experience treating professional athletes and is renowned for his expertise in reconstructive surgery, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs and other complex joint procedures. Dr. Sterett’s practice has extensive experience with injuries in female athletes, focusing on identifying individual risk factors and developing rehabilitation methods to prevent future injuries. Biologic treatments, including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma, have become key adjuncts in his practice, aimed at “speeding up Mother Nature” during the recovery phase.

Dr. Sterett served as the head team physician for the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team for over 25 years, playing a critical role in the medical care of Olympic-level athletes through five Winter Olympics. His practice is based in Vail, Colorado, where he treats both elite athletes and the general population. Dr. Sterett trained under Dr. Richard Steadman and Dr. Richard Hawkins before joining the prestigious Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail from 1994 to 2011, where he served as Managing Partner for 14 of those years. In 2011, he transitioned to Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, where he continues to practice and serve as Managing Partner.

Dr. Sterett is known for his patient-centered approach, combining cutting-edge techniques with personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal recovery. In 2012, Dr. Sterett was awarded the prestigious Alfred Sossman Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the U.S. Ski Team and the U.S. Olympic Committee. His influence in sports medicine extends beyond clinical practice; he is also actively involved in research, having published over 30 peer-reviewed articles, and is frequently invited to lecture on advancements in orthopedic surgery and injury prevention.

 
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Meet Dr. Bill Sterett

"I love what I do as an orthopedic surgeon and I take pride in giving my all to my patients. I believe every patient deserves the best possible outcome from their injury to post surgery recovery.  

As one of the few physicians in the country to have done fellowships in both Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, I thrive in being the best in this field. I feel I have been able to hone the art of combining the highest quality of patient care with outstanding knee and shoulder surgical skills."

  • Head Team Physician, U.S. Women's Alpine Ski Team

  • Utilizing PRP and Stem Cell Treatment

  • Specializing in Knee, Shoulder, and Sports Medicine

  • Board Certified and Fellowship Trained

  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Candidate Member

 

Trusted by the Pros

Dr. Sterett has also had the honor of being the Head Team Physician for the US Women's Ski Team since 1997. That's 20 years of treating the world's top skiing talent. He's on call every winter weekend, poised to react to any situation, from emergency midnight calls to emergency surgeries.  Mikaela Shiffrin, Resi Stiegler, and the other incredible racers of the U.S. Team know that Dr. Sterett has the experience and knowledge to treat any scenario. 

He also has a long and successful history of returning athletes to the NFL, NHL, MLB, and Euro Soccer Leagues. If there's a sport that's played professionally, Dr. Sterett has helped someone get back to it.

Locally, Dr. Sterett has donated his time and expertise to the local high schools of Eagle County for the past 14 years. You can see him on the sidelines almost every Friday night, ready to provide free medical care to our young athletes.

Focused on Activity Preservation

One common thread when people describe working with Dr. Sterett is his inspiring "bedside manner."

That's because, as Dr. Sterett will tell you, he believes he has the best job in the world.

If Dr. Sterett would have you understand one thing about his expertise, it's this: research, technology and techniques are changing rapidly. What we considered true two years ago may no longer be the case.

Innovation, creativity, and leading a new push towards Activity Preservation techniques keeps Dr. Sterett on the forefront of orthoapedic sports medicine in this country. His ultimate goal is to not only get you back to doing what you love, pain free. It’s also to get you performing at the levels you want to be at.

Team Sterett, dedicated to getting you back in the game.

“My goal is to get you back to doing the activities you want to do, at the highest level possible. That’s what we excel at.”

-Dr. Sterett

Dr. Sterett is a Veteran of 4 Winter Olympic Games as the head team physician for the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team

Dr. Sterett is a Veteran of four Winter Olympic Games as the head team physician for the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team


Qualifications

Dr. Sterett is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a Member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, a Member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, a Candidate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and is one of the few physicians who have earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.

Dr. Sterett has worked with the world’s top athletes, including players from all the major professional sports leagues. Here with Mikaela Shiffrin.

Dr. Sterett has worked with the world’s top athletes, including players from all the major professional sports leagues. Here with Mikaela Shiffrin.


Research

Dr. Sterett has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured regionally, nationally and internationally on hundreds of occasions over the past twenty years. He currently holds patents on orthopedic devices involved in Joint Preservation and works as a consultant to Arthrex and Biomet sports medicine companies.

Dr. Sterett with Dr. Richard Hawkins and friends. Dr. Hawkins is one of Dr. Sterett’s mentor, formerly of the famous Steadman-Hawkins Clinic.

Dr. Sterett with Dr. Richard Hawkins and friends. Dr. Hawkins is one of Dr. Sterett’s mentor, formerly of the famous Steadman-Hawkins Clinic.


Fellowship

Dr. Sterett has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured regionally, nationally and internationally on hundreds of occasions over the past twenty years. He currently holds patents on orthopedic devices involved in Joint Preservation and works as a consultant to Arthrex and Biomet sports medicine companies.

 

Education & Training

 

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

University of California at San Diego, Major - Biochemistry

MEDICAL SCHOOL 

University of California at Davis

ORTHOPEDIC RESIDENCY 

University of California at Davis

FELLOWSHIP 

Knee and Shoulder Sports Medicine, Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Vail, Colorado 

Certification

 

BOARD CERTIFICATION

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

CERTIFICATE OF ADDED QUALIFICATION

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine