Philadelphia is on the brink of a historic summer. The city will be the central hub for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It also is the host city for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the site of six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest sporting event in the world.
Daniel M. Feinberg, MD, FAAN, Chief Medical Officer for Temple University Hospital, Inc., will play a key role as Philadelphia makes history when he serves as a neurologist on the medical support team for the World Cup. Feinberg has taken care of Flyers and Eagles players over the past three decades, as well as athletes at all levels of competition, but he has never been a part of something of this scale. He was offered the opportunity to be part of the World Cup medical team while at his previous institution and has been preparing for his role for more than 15 months.
“It’s been really wonderful to be a part of it and it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the city of Philadelphia,” said Feinberg.
Ready to Assist
Feinberg will not be on the sidelines at the games in Philadelphia, but will serve as the neurologist available to provide follow-up care for players, family members, officials and anyone else in the traveling parties of the teams playing here.
He expects concussions will be the most likely condition he’ll be treating, but he’s ready to treat any neurological disorders.
Tackling a Busy Summer
In addition, and in preparation for all the big events taking place in Philadelphia this summer, Feinberg is also participating in regular planning calls with the other chief medical officers in the region.
“We’re coordinating with each other should there be an influx of patients to make sure we’re all prepared to handle it.”
Taking His Shot
It isn’t all work and no play for Feinberg, who said he won’t miss the opportunity to take in a few World Cup matches as a fan. “If you ask me to give you the No. 1 place I’d like to be on a given day or night, it would be at the sports complex in South Philadelphia attending a game.”
Feinberg was an athlete and huge sports fan growing up in South Jersey. Now he’s going to be one of the physicians for the largest sporting event in the world. When asked what his younger self would say about that, Feinberg replied with one word: “Wow!”