March 1, 2002

They don stethoscopes instead of shoulder pads, craft surgical strategy rather than designing play-by-plays and are more at home at the bedside than in a huddle. Nevertheless, four MGH physicians — Bertram Zarins, MD, of MGH Orthopædics and chief of the MGH Sports Medicine Service; Adolph Hutter, MD, of MGH Cardiology; and Thomas Gill, MD, and David Golden, MD, both of MGH Orthopædics and the Sports Medicine Service — traveled to the New Orleans Superdome to provide vital medical care for the New England Patriots Feb. 3. Luckily, no major injuries surfaced during the game, which culminated with the Pats' first-ever Super Bowl championship victory.

MGH clinicians have served as team physicians for the Patriots for 20 years. Stationed at the sidelines at every game, the physicians are prepared to address ailments and injuries ranging from mild sprains to emergency situations like the chest injury sustained by quarterback Drew Bledsoe last fall.

The Patriots' season was marked not just by great games, but also by few physical setbacks. "A major factor that contributed to the success of the Patriots toward the end of the season was that there were few serious injuries," says Zarins, who is the team's head physician. "They also stayed healthy through the playoffs and all the way to their Super Bowl win."

Above, from left, Gill, Golden, Zarins and Hutter bask in the Patriots' victory.