William Sterett, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon - Knee Specialist
Orthopedic Surgeon & Head Team Physician for the U.S. Women Alpine Ski Team Women's Alpine Ski Team
Dr. Sterett is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Vail, Colorado specializing in Sports Medicine, and the Head Physician for the U.S.
04/03/2026
Are knee pain and stiffness keeping you from the activities you love?
In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Bill Sterett discusses when it may be time to consider a total knee replacement, especially if pain is limiting your ability to stay active and enjoy daily life.
Watch the video to learn more:
If you are giving up activities you used to enjoy, it might be time for a total knee replacement.
03/30/2026
Happy Doctor’s Day to Dr. Bill Sterett!
For decades, Dr. Sterett has helped athletes and active individuals get back to the sports and lifestyles they love. From his time as a U.S. Ski Team physician to caring for patients throughout the Colorado's Western Slope, his dedication to sports medicine and patient care has made a lasting impact on our community.
Thank you, Dr. Sterett, for your expertise, leadership, and commitment to helping patients move better and live fully.
In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Bill Sterett breaks down one of the most common knee questions athletes face: Should a torn meniscus be repaired or removed?
The answer depends on the type of tear, where it’s located, and whether it’s causing symptoms like catching or locking. Some tears can heal when repaired, while others may not have enough blood supply to recover.
Dr. Sterett also discusses emerging treatments like PRP, stem cells, and newer implant techniques that may help support meniscus healing.
What does an ACL tear actually feel like at the moment of injury?
In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Sterett explains the common signs athletes experience including the classic “pop,” rapid swelling, and knee instability.
Watch the video to learn how to recognize the symptoms of an ACL injury:
What does an ACL Tear feel like when you injure it? Most of the time you'll hear a pop, followed by swelling.
03/20/2026
What is the most common knee injury in golfers?
In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Bill Sterett explains why meniscus tears are the knee injury he sees most often in golfers and what in the golf swing puts stress on the knee.
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Meniscus tears are the most common golfing knee injury. Find out why in this video with Dr. Bill Sterett
03/17/2026
After an ACL tear, one question comes up fast: Do I need surgery, or can I compete without an ACL?
In his latest Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. William Sterett explains when playing without an ACL may be possible and the long term risks athletes need to consider.
Why do women experience ACL injuries at higher rates than men?
In this Sports Medicine Minute, Dr. Bill Sterett explains some of the anatomical factors that can increase ACL and knee injury risk in female athletes and what it means for prevention and training.
Watch the video to learn more:
Dr. Sterett breaks down some of the anatomical reasons that women are at a higher risk for ACL and other knee injuries
03/06/2026
When Vail ski patroller Allie Parker took a fall on the mountain, it didn’t seem severe at first. But when her ski didn’t release and she felt a pop in her knee, she knew something was wrong.
After seeking care, Allie was diagnosed with a Grade III ACL tear by Dr. Sterett. As a former patroller himself, Dr. Sterett understood Allie’s goal to return to the mountains as quickly and safely as possible.
With a thoughtful surgical plan, close coordination between ortho and physical therapy, and a patient first approach, Allie progressed through recovery and returned to the outdoor lifestyle that means so much to her.
Her advice to others recovering from injury
“The progress is small, but it is still progress.”
Click here to read the full story:
"I wanted the best possible chance of having a successful surgery and recovery.” She went online to research the best knee surgeons in the Valley and landed on Dr. Bill Sterett.
03/03/2026
In honor of National Athletic Trainer Month, we are proud to highlight Ryan Molzon ATC, OTC, a vital member of Dr. William Sterett’s team.
Ryan’s background spans clinic, operating room, and elite sports coverage. After earning degrees from Rowan University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he completed a fellowship with The Steadman Clinic in Vail, where he also provided medical coverage for the U.S. Ski Team and Dew Tour.
Since joining the team in 2014, Ryan plays a critical role in patient care, education, and surgical support. His expertise and dedication help athletes and active patients recover, perform, and return to what they love.
When firefighter and EMT Isaiah Hartman was injured fighting a wildland fire near Piney Lake, he didn’t realize how serious it was at first. By the next morning, his knee told a different story.
Isaiah was diagnosed with a full ACL tear and partial meniscus tear by Dr. Sterett. After learning why the ACL plays such a critical role in knee stability, Isaiah chose surgery and committed fully to his recovery.
Through dedication to physical therapy and following the guidance of his care team, Isaiah regained full range of motion within weeks and is focused on getting back to the active mountain lifestyle he loves.
“Dr. Sterett did an incredible job. I would recommend him to anyone.”
Read Isaiah’s full story and learn more about ACL recovery here:
“Dr. Sterett did an incredible job. He has an easy-going bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone.”
02/17/2026
Female ski racers experience ACL injuries at significantly higher rates than male athletes, and it is not just about strength.
In alpine skiing, extreme speed, rotation, and sudden deceleration place enormous stress on the knee. Dr. William Sterett, former U.S. Ski Team physician, explains how biomechanics, movement patterns, and neuromuscular timing play a major role in ACL injury risk for female athletes.
Understanding these risk factors can help guide smarter training and better injury prevention — on and off the race course.
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World Renowned Surgeon. World Class Location. Meet Dr. Bill Sterett.
Dr. Bill Sterett is the Head Team Physician for the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team and has been since 1997, with athletes over the years such as Picabo Street, Kristina Koznick, Caroline LaLive, Lindsey Vonn, Julia Mancuso and Mikaela Shiffrin.
He has served as a US Olympic Committee Team Physician for the past four Winter Olympic Games, with the US Olympic Committee entrusting the care of their athletes to Dr. Sterett in Salt Lake City, Torino, Vancouver and Sochi.
Dr. Sterett is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and is one of the few physicians who have earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.
Dr. Sterett has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured regionally, nationally and internationally on hundreds of occasions over the past twenty years. He currently holds patents on orthopedic devices involved in Joint Preservation and works as a consultant to Arthrex and Biomet sports medicine companies.
Dr. Sterett started the Athletic Training Fellowship Program in Vail, Colorado, and served as its Fellowship Director for 15 years. Additionally, he has served as the Medical Director for the Eagle County School District for 14 years, making daily return-to-play decisions and treating local student athletes. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director for the Vail Valley Surgery Centers and has for the past 12 years.
Dr. Sterett’s website | Dr. Sterett’s Blog | The Female ACL Website