Ian McKeag, M.D., M.S., (far right) on the gold medal podium with
the USA Women's Sixes Lacrosse Team. Ian McKeag, M.D., M.S., associate professor and head team physician for the USA Lacrosse Women’s Sixes team, recently played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a historic gold medal at the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
As head team physician, McKeag provided comprehensive sports medicine coverage throughout the international tournament, ensuring athletes remained healthy and in peak performance from pre-season workouts to the gold medal game. His support, alongside the medical staff, contributed to the team’s success both on and off the field.
The U.S. Women’s Sixes team dominated the five-game competition, defeating Canada 16-8 in the gold medal match. The team’s rally cry, “Link Up,” symbolizes trust and unity, a spirit that extended outside of gameplay and into the care provided by McKeag and the medical staff.
“This experience was really special for me, something I'll remember forever,” says McKeag.
“The play schedule was grueling for the athletes, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute by advising on recovery as well as the traditional injury care.”
UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine is proud to have McKeag represent the service line on a global stage, showcasing the importance of sports medicine in advancing athletic performance. His contributions highlight UAB’s commitment to excellence in sports medicine at the highest level of competition.
McKeag was first appointed as the Women’s Sixes team physician in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played lacrosse at the collegiate level and served as lead physician of women's lacrosse at the 2022 World Games here in Birmingham, Ala.
Lacrosse is set to make its Olympic return at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, California, where Sixes teams will be featured for the first time.