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A New Doctor On Call; Meet Dr. Jeffrey Bytomski
1/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Jan. 20, 2004
by Ed Austin
Sports Information Student Assistant
DURHAM, N.C. - If you've ever played sports at a competitive level and had to see the trainer, you probably remember that one phrase which strikes fear into even the toughest athlete, "I think you need to go see the doctor". For Duke athletes, and the women's basketball team in particular, that advice would lead them to the office of the university's new Medical Team Physician, Dr. Jeffrey Bytomski.
Ever since his high school days in southern California, Dr. Bytomski knew that he wanted to become a doctor. However, if he would have stayed with his first interest, the players would only be seeing him if they needed glasses.
"My aunt was an optometrist, so at first I was going to do optometry," said Bytomski. "But soon I decided that I wanted to do everything instead of just limiting myself to that. Plus I've always liked sports, so I grew interested in primary care sports medicine and geared a lot of my time in college and medical school towards that end."
That love of sports partially stems from his years participating in high school athletics as well as college intramurals, with a main love of basketball. In fact, those experiences sometimes prove as equally valuable as his education when treating a player.
"Being an athlete, I have an idea of what they're going through mentally when they can't play that I wouldn't know if I had never done it," said Bytomski. "When you combine that with my role as their primary care physician it causes them to see me around all of the time and helps make it easier for them to trust me."
Along with his medical support, Dr. Bytomski also strengthens the bond with the players through his enthusiastic support during games. In fact, trying to project the appearance of objectivity during Duke's recent come-from-behind thriller victory over Connecticut was one of the most difficult situations he has faced all year. However, he is quick to point out that no matter how amazing a game might be, his first and last concern will always be the health of the players.
"I really enjoy the games, but once somebody gets hurt, I forget all about the game and just focus on the injury," said Bytomski. "I don't know why, but something just clicks and all I think about is the evaluation at hand. While it might help the team win for the player to return to the game, if they're not safe then we won't send them back out there, and the coaches trust our decisions."
A big foundation for that trust can be seen in the medical staff's diligence to help the players return to the line-up as soon as safety allows. That determination is also a product of their relationship with Dr. Bytomski.
"Since I'm in that situation, it causes me to really go that extra mile," said Bytomski. "While I treat all my patients to the best of my abilities, my role with the team enables me to give 110%. I try to get them back as soon as possible while keeping in mind that if they go out there too early, instead of missing a couple games they might miss the season. If they got re-injured nobody would feel worse than the medical staff."
If it sounds like Dr. Bytomski relates to the players like a father-figure, that might arise from all the experiences he has gained with three children of his own. Jared, Alexandra and Trevor, ages five, four and two respectively, as well as his wife of 13 years, Shanda can often be seen at the women's basketball and women's soccer games cheering on the Blue Devils. As well as the extra time he gets to spend with his kids at the games, he has even been known to use some of that time to provide them with a unique education not often taught in the Durham county schools.
"I've already got them brainwashed that the Tar Heels are bad and the Blue Devils are good," said Bytomski. "Seriously though, they really do like the women's games. It's a great family environment and it allows me to see them more than I would be able to at a lot of other places."
So far his sons only play a "swarm ball" version of soccer. But one thing is certain. If his children decide to continue in sports they'll receive not only the support of a loving father, but also the first-rate treatment of an excellent sports physician. And as far as Dr. Bytomski is concerned, he'd love it if he could treat them here when they get older.
"I really enjoy what I'm doing," said Bytomski. "Sure there's a lot of work with the papers, conferences, away games and clinical time, but I wouldn't do anything else. Here at Duke, we have one of the best medical centers in the world for our patients. We also have 26 sports to watch, and have had great success in many of them. On top of that Durham's a great place to live, with many things to do that wouldn't be available at many other Division I schools. The coaches, sports information staff and trainers make this a great place to work, so I consider myself thankful to be here."
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