Official Team Doctors for the Carolina Hurricanes

January 1, 1970 | By: Raleigh Orthopaedic Team

NHL hockey is a highly competitive sport that demands players sprint as hard as they can, jump as high as they can and stay in tip-top shape at all times. Unfortunately, these extreme physical stresses result in occasional injuries.

Because these players need to get back in the game as soon as possible, they require top experts in orthopedics. That is why the Hurricanes have Dr. William Isbell and Dr. Joseph Barker, Raleigh Orthopaedic sports medicine specialists on the sidelines and ready to treat them when they need it most.

The role of the team physician

Dr. Barker and Dr. Isbell evaluate players during the week and are on the side of the rink during games to take care of injuries. During the game, they evaluate players who may have sustained injuries to determine whether they can safely get back in the action.

“If you want to talk about athletes that work hard and push themselves to the limit, the Carolina Hurricanes players epitomize those ideas,” said Dr. Barker. “Treating their injuries and being there for them when they feel like they physically can’t reach their goals on the ice is an extremely rewarding experience. The men on the Carolina Hurricanes consistently play with high intensity and desire allowing them to overcome any injury or opponent.”

Post-game, Dr. Barker and Dr. Isbell may provide further evaluations to help plan the players’ treatments and rehabilitation for the week. They also takes care of necessary surgeries or referring players to other Raleigh Orthopaedic physicians as needed.

“Being the team physician of the Carolina Hurricanes has allowed me to work with a great group of talented athletes,” said Dr. Isbell. “These guys are determined to work hard and get back in the game as soon as possible after an injury. It’s a rewarding experience to see an elite athlete return to the ice after an injury.”

Be treated like a professional

You don’t have to be a Carolina Hurricane to receive professional care at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic. View our sports medicine team here.

Schedule an appointment

Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our Raleigh Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.