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Shelley Osterloh reportingThe Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, known as TOSH, is one of the premier sports medical facilities in the country --- and now it has attracted a couple of the top names in Sports medicine.
One of them is a 5-time Olympic Gold medalist.
Maybe you've guessed who it is: Eric Heiden. Heiden set a world record when he won 5 gold medals at the 1980 Olympics.
But that was then. Now he is an orthopedic surgeon who, along with another big name in sport medicine, is moving to Utah.
TOSH and athletes here in Utah say its a big score.
Lake Placid, 1980. Eric Heiden was 21 when he won five gold medals in Speedskating and set four Olympic records.
Eric Heiden, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon: "As I look back it starts to mean more to me. And the accomplishment of wining from 500 m to 10000 meter becomes more astounding. Because you haven't seen it happen again. "
Still he says his greatest achievement is his career in medicine.
The Sacramento Doctor refused offers from Stanford and others to come to TOSH as the medical director. He'll use his medical training as an orthopedic surgeon to treat and prevent injures and his knowledge of sports to improve athlete performance.
Eric Heiden, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon: " And that involves understanding the physiology, the techniques and the biomechanics of the sport"
Dr Heiden has worked with many athletes over years, but says he looks forward to being in a town where so many elite athletes live and train.
Chris Witty, Olympic Gold Medalist: " Just with speedskating, he's a legend in our sport so just his presence. When ever he shows up at world championship is so motivating for us. But just to have him here every day is going to be amazing for the national team. "
Athletes like Gold medal speedskater Chris Witty are excited that Dr. Heiden's colleague of 5 years is also coming to Tosh. Dr. Max Testa is an internationally known sport medicine researcher who has worked with a many pro cycling teams.
Chris Witty, Olympic Gold Medalist: "I know cyclists, he's turned their careers around because he's been able to test them and see where they are at physiology and make improvement with their training program "
Dr. Testa says he and Heiden were both impressed with the reputation and comprehensive faculties at TOSH.
Dr. Massimo Testa, Sports Medicine Researcher: "So I see this as the possibility to realize what was a dream with Eric for a long time to work in a facility that offers everything from a medical standpoint from the surgery, the prevention, the rehabilitation, and the performance side "
Athletes and others who are recovering from injury, are the ones who will benefit.
Dr. Heiden and his wife Karen are buying a house in Park City. She, by the way is also a doctor--- an orthopedic hand surgeon -- who will also practice at TOSH.
