Reflecting on My Retirement: A Personal Message from Dr. Sterett
As I prepare to retire from Vail Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery at the end of 2025, I find myself reflecting on a career that has given my life tremendous purpose. For more than thirty years, I have had the privilege of caring for athletes, families, and community members who inspire me every day. This work has shaped who I am, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
Looking Back on a Life in Sports Medicine
When I began my journey in orthopaedics, I never imagined the experiences that would follow. For twenty five years, I had the privilege of serving as Head Team Physician for the United States Womens Alpine Ski Team. Standing on the side of a race course, watching athletes push the limits of performance, reminded me daily why I chose this profession.
I also had the honor of representing our country at five Olympic Games and twelve United States Ski and Snowboard Association World Championships. At each event, I felt immense pride in supporting athletes who devote their lives to excellence.
In 2012, I received the Leland Sosman Award for Lifetime Achievement, a moment that meant a great deal to me. Yet the true reward has always been watching a patient return to the sport or activity they love.
A Career Devoted to the Female Athlete
Much of my work has focused on understanding and advancing the care of the female athlete. Early in my career I saw a gap in the research and resources available for women in sport. I made it a priority to change that. Through clinical experience, research, and collaboration with other experts, I worked to build a stronger foundation for prevention, recovery, and surgical care.
It has been incredibly meaningful to play even a small role in helping women compete at the highest levels with confidence and strength.
Innovation That Moved the Field Forward
I have always believed that medicine should evolve as athletes evolve. This belief led me to incorporate biologics, stem cells, and regenerative techniques into orthopaedic surgery long before they were widely adopted. These tools have helped patients heal with greater confidence and return to their activities with less downtime.
Along the way, I authored more than thirty peer reviewed publications, developed several medical device patents, and spent sixteen years on the Board of the Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation. In 2014, I helped establish the VSON Research and Education Foundation so that progress in orthopaedic care will continue long after I step away.
The Privilege of Mentorship and Leadership
One of the true joys of my career has been mentoring more than one hundred fellows and residents who now serve athletes and patients across the world. Watching them grow into skilled surgeons and compassionate physicians has been incredibly fulfilling.
I have also been fortunate to serve as Managing Partner at two nationally recognized orthopaedic clinics, President of the Vail Valley Medical Staff, and Medical Director for the Vail Valley Surgery Centers. Each role gave me the opportunity to contribute to a community and a field I care deeply about.
A Personal Thank You
As I transition into retirement, I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you to every patient who trusted me with their care. Thank you to the families who shared their stories and their hopes. Thank you to the athletes who reminded me daily what resilience looks like. Thank you to my colleagues, friends, and mentors who shaped my path.
Most of all, thank you to this community. You gave me a home, a purpose, and a lifetime of meaningful work.
To all of you I say this:
Keep moving
Stay active
Pursue the life you love
With gratitude,
Dr. William Sterett
