Dr. Hackett, Dr. Cooper Retire from U.S. Ski & Snowboard; New Medical Staff Announced
U.S. Ski & Snowboard recognizes key medical staff retirements and welcomes new additions as the organization enters the 2026-27 season.
After two decades of service to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and its athletes, Dr. Tom Hackett will step away from his longtime role as Head Team Physician for the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in supporting generations of athletes on the World Cup and Olympic stages.
Just after the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Dr. Hackett received U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s prestigious Julius Blegen Award, recognizing his exceptional service and commitment to athlete care. Throughout more than two decades with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Dr. Hackett volunteered his expertise at training camps, World Cup events and multiple Olympic Winter Games across multiple sports. Widely regarded as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in sports medicine, he has treated and operated on countless elite athletes, helping preserve and extend careers at the highest level of competition.
“Dr. Hackett has been a trusted leader and invaluable part of our medical team for more than two decades,” said Senior Director of Medical Operations Robyn Hase. “His expertise and unwavering commitment to athlete care have made a lasting impact on generations of athletes and staff. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to the organization.”
Though leaving his position, Dr. Hackett will remain actively engaged in the organization, leading the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Medical Council.
Longtime physician Dr. Andrew Cooper, an orthopedic surgeon in the Salt Lake City, Utah valley, will also step away from the organization after more than 12 years of service. During his tenure, he served as Head Team Physician for the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, traveling globally to care for elite freeskiers while also serving as a team physician during multiple Olympic Winter Games, World Championships, X Games and World Cups. His commitment to athlete care and performance has left a lasting impact across the organization.
“Dr. Cooper’s dedication and passion for supporting our athletes have been instrumental to the success of our teams over the years,” said Hase. “His professionalism and commitment to excellence have earned the respect of athletes and colleagues alike. We thank him for his tremendous contributions to the organization.”
The organization will welcome two new physicians to support the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team: Dr. Adam Wilson and Dr. Joseph Ruzbarsky. Dr. Wilson, an orthopedic surgeon based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, will take over Dr. Hackett’s role as the Head Team Physician for snowboard. He began working with U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2016 during his Sports Medicine Fellowship in Taos, New Mexico and has since traveled extensively with the snowboard team both domestically and internationally. Dr. Ruzbarsky will support Dr. Wilson as the assistant snowboard team physician, traveling to competitions and navigating athletes’ medical needs. Dr. Ruzbarsky is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, currently practicing at The Steadman Clinic in Aspen, Colorado.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wilson and Dr. Ruzbarsky to our medical team,” said Hase. “Their experience working with elite athletes and dedication to athlete health and performance make them great additions as we look ahead to the 2026-27 season.”