The Wrestling community has always been bigger than just its carpet fighters. Currently the recommendations for fans, athletes, coaches and administrators is to follow the “Stay Strong and Stay at home” campaign, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. From all over the world, the brave medical wrestling professionals are doing everything they can to protect the lives of those in need.
“We are always grateful for our medical team, but I want us all to take an extra moment and celebrate their contribution and sacrifice,” said United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic. “We are very proud of your efforts.”
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Dr. Babak Shadgan, head of the UWW Medical Commission and assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of British Columbia in Canada, leads a multicenter research project on the development of a new biosensor for screening and monitoring patients with COVID-19. The success of Dr. Shadgan and his research team will improve the early diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by COVID-19.
Dr. Loukas Konstantinou, orthopedic trauma and sports surgeon in Greece and a member of the UWW Medical Commission is helping patients, including those infected with the coronavirus.
“Our daily work brings a high degree of vulnerability with regard to contact with patients and citizens infected by the virus,” said Konstantinou. “We have taken all necessary measures to protect ourselves and our patients,” said Konstantinou.
Medical committee member Dr. Szabolcs Molnar exemplifies the dedication of medical professionals around the world. As an assistant professor of orthopedic trauma at the largest hospital in Budapest, Hungary, Molnar is working in the screening units and the operating room.
“I am honored to do my best to help my countrymen,” said Molnar.
Iranian doctor contracts Covid, but happily recovers
UWW medical committee member Dr. Sadegh Mahboubi treated patients in Iran in February and March before contracting COVID-19. Most doctors’ offices were closed, so he stayed open and worked 18 hours a day, but was forced to slow down after the illness affected his breathing.
“I didn’t want a hospital bed occupied by me, so I was quarantined at home by my wife, who is a doctor,” he said. “If it was a wrestling match, I think in a first round I lost to COVID, but I’m back to work now to help.” said Mahboubi, who lost 15 kg during the illness.
In the United States, a task force of ex-wrestlers, doctors and political leaders has been formed in an effort to create solutions for the return of sport. The group is looking for solutions to advance to the next phase of life with the coronavirus, still a very worrying stage. The task force includes longtime physician Dr. Bernard Feldman and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.
Other members of the UWW Medical Commission are helping patients on the high-risk frontline: Dr. Stevan Sikimic, a respirologist in Serbia; Dr. Stefan Strugarov, surgeon in Bulgaria; Dr. Klaus Johann, orthopedic surgeon in Germany; Dr. Abdelghani Chahi, cardiologist in Morocco; Dr. Jose Padilha, surgeon in Brazil; Dr. Kohei Nakajima, orthopedic surgeon in Japan; Dr. Mika Lehto, cardiologist in Finland; Dr. Carol Maitre in France; Dr. Irina Dulepova in Russia; and Dr. Elena Abaeva in Uzbekistan
“Our sport knows about fighting and we know how to fight,” said President Lalovic. “I am very proud of our medical professionals and look forward to seeing them again on the fight mat.”