UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine has once again stepped onto the international stage in sports medicine by receiving a prestigious opportunity. The United States of America Women’s Lacrosse team has officially appointed Ian McKeag, MD, the director of the UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine fellowship program, as its new team sports medicine physician.

McKeag will serve as the head team physician for the Women’s Sixes National Team. This assignment marks a significant milestone in the team’s pursuit of excellence in health and performance as they compete nationally and internationally.

A respected individual in sports medicine, McKeag brings a wealth of experience to the field, having played lacrosse at the collegiate level and served as lead physician of women's lacrosse at the 2022 World Games here in Birmingham, Ala. His expertise in managing and promoting athlete health will be invaluable to the USA Women’s Lacrosse team as they gear up for international competition.

First competed internationally at the 2022 World Games, “Sixes is a fast-paced version of the sport played on a smaller field (70 x 36 meters), with fewer players (6 v 6), a condensed game length (four 8-minute quarters) and a 30-second shot clock.” This discipline takes a gentler approach to physical play, prioritizing player safety and skill over aggressive physical contact.

“This has been a career goal of mine since I started medical school,” says McKeag. “I'm thrilled to begin my journey with the team, expanding our clinic’s international footprint yet again.”

McKeag will accompany the team nationwide, providing medical support in his new role. This includes overseeing the medical care at numerous domestic and international events, tryouts, training camp sessions, and conducting pre-participation physicals to ensure the athletes are in peak performance to compete.