After decades of service to Olympic athletes and the Vail Valley community, Dr. Sterett retires, leaving a legacy of leadership, innovation, and world-class orthopaedic care.
VAIL, Colo., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. William Sterett, longtime Head Team Physician for the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team and sports medicine pioneer, will retire from Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) effective December 31, 2025. With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Sterett leaves a remarkable legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and compassionate patient care.
His career highlights include 25 years as Head Team Physician for the U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team, five Olympic Games as a U.S. Olympic Committee Team Physician, and 12 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association World Championships. In 2012, Dr. Sterett received the Leland Sosman Award for Lifetime Achievement from USSSA for his extraordinary contributions as a medical provider.
A cornerstone of his work has been a clinical, treatment, and teaching expertise in the female athlete – from injury prevention and rehabilitation to surgical innovation – ensuring that women in sport receive the highest level of specialized care. He has also advanced orthopaedic outcomes through his integration of biologics, stem cells, and regenerative medicine techniques into surgical procedures, helping patients recover faster and return to peak performance.
“Caring for this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Dr. Sterett. “It has been a privilege to serve so many incredible patients, athletes, and families over the years.”
Beyond patient care, Dr. Sterett has trained over 100 orthopaedic fellows and residents, contributed to more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, holds several medical device patents, and served 16 years on the Board of the Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation. In 2014, he helped launch the VSON Research and Education Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to advancing orthopaedic care.
He has also served as Managing Partner at two nationally renowned orthopaedic clinics, President of the Vail Valley Medical Staff, and was Medical Director for the Vail Valley Surgery Centers from their inception.
As he reflects on his extraordinary career, Dr. Sterett shares:
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. This work has given my life deep meaning, and I’m grateful for every moment. Keep moving, stay active, and pursue the life you love.”
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