Dr. Luis Alberto Andrés is also passionate about volunteering for international medical missions several times a year.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As the 2024 Paris Olympics approaches, excitement continues to build for athletes, their families, coaches and countless staff members.
One of the staff physicians selected to be part of Team USA’s medical team is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Scottsdale.
“One of my favorite athletes…defending goal medalist Steve Fraser,” Dr. Luis Albert Andres said in an interview with 12 News ahead of his next big adventure.
“I’ve been on Team USA for a few years now,” Andres said. “I think he’s been working with the U.S. Olympic Center since about 2008.”
A Scottsdale plastic and reconstructive surgeon will soon be part of the U.S. medical team for the Paris Olympics.
“Not only do we do skin tests, but we also test for concussions, any illnesses you may have while abroad, and even sports injuries,” Dr. Andres said.
When it comes to plastic surgery, Andres treats athletes with facial fractures and lacerations.
“I’m pretty skilled at hand surgery and upper extremity injuries,” Andres said.
Dr. Andres says he has always been interested in Team USA.
“In college, I was a Division 1 wrestler, so I wrestled for a few years and tried to compete in matches in ’92 and ’96. Then I finished my wrestling career and went to medical school,” Andre said. Les said. .
In fact, this accomplished former All-American wrestler competed at the collegiate, national, and international levels.
“I’ve always wanted to help and give back to this sport that has given me so much,” Andres added.
So, after graduating from medical school and serving as a medical resident, I decided that I wanted to contribute more from a medical perspective to Team USA, and I have been with Team USA since the 2008 games.
“It is a great honor for me to be a part of Team USA,” said Dr. Andres. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for all of our athletes. It’s a lifelong goal for many of them and I try to support them in any way I can.”
Dr. Andres continues to maintain an active lifestyle through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, fitness, soccer, and golf.
He also serves as team physician for several local sports teams, including Sunkist Kids/Arizona State Wrestling and Team USA Wrestling.
His experience has been invaluable in helping several athletes we have been excited to work with.
“I have some posters and things that some of the athletes have signed for me…a lot of American wrestlers,” Andres said. “It’s great to have some athletes you get to know.”
He looked back on his time working as a doctor at the London and Rio Olympics.
“Normally I do martial arts, but this time I will be participating with the entire Team USA and working more with the general physicians,” Dr. Andres said.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, he can’t wait to help Team USA in any way possible from a medical standpoint.
“Anything I can do to help them achieve their aspirations and goals,” said Andres, “I am honored to be chosen as one of their staff physicians.”
The letters of gratitude he later received from the Olympians were very meaningful.
“It was a very heartwarming event,” he said.
Dr. Andres is also passionate about volunteering for international medical missions several times a year, treating children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities through Operation Smile. Masu.
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