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Endurance Test
ARTICLE DETAIL:
Chicago Marathon serves as proving ground
for months of planning by medical director
Written by:
Devon McPhee
Photography:
Courtesy of Bank of America
Online extras:
More photos and video
Hours before the sun comes up and any
runner arrives at the start line for the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon,
George Chiampas, DO, assistant professor
of emergency medicine, has already
covered the 26.2-mile course. The medical
director's race day begins at 3 a.m. when he
does a final check of medical supplies and
the 21 aid stations along the event route.
“I have a massive responsibility to try to
anticipate any possible scenario and
ensure that all the resources are in place;
it’s a humbling experience,” says Chiampas,
who began volunteering in sports medicine
while an emergency medicine resident at
John H. Stroger, Jr., Hospital of Cook
County and later completed a fellowship in
the field at Resurrection Health Care.
“I’m also preparing to welcome the
medical volunteers. It’s my job to stir up
excitement and show appreciation for
the 12-hour day they will put in so that
the runners have a safe and memorable
marathon.”
This year’s race on October 7 marked
the sixth with Chiampas as head of medical
services. He oversees the provision of care
p.10 — wardroundsonline.com