Indiana University Health, the largest medical provider in the state of Indiana, and IndyCar have made some important announcements before the start of the 108th Indianapolis 500. They have appointed Dr. Angela Fiege as the director of medical services for Indy NXT by Firestone and have added sports neurologist Dr. Bert Vargas to the IndyCar Medical Team. IU Health is the official healthcare provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and their team of physicians and nurses are experts in motorsports medicine.
IU Health, named the “No. 1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, offers patient-centered care with access to the latest treatments and technology through their partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Fiege, a veteran critical care and emergency medicine physician at IU Health, has been involved in motorsports medicine for many years. She will continue to serve as deputy director of medical services for the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dr. Julia Vaizer will remain medical director.
Dr. Vargas is the first neurologist dedicated to the IndyCar Medical team, with his position funded by Rev proceeds, the annual fundraising event of the IU Health Foundation. He brings experience from working with Eli Lilly and Company, leading the AMR neurotrauma team for NASCAR, and serving on the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee. Dr. Vargas will provide neurotrauma expertise to safeguard driver safety and performance, as well as support longevity in the sport for athletes.
IndyCar President Jay Frye praised the IndyCar Medical team for their contributions to the series’ success on and off the track, with Dr. Fiege being a key contributor. He highlighted the team’s commitment to safety and the addition of Dr. Vargas as another example of their dedication to incorporating the latest medical advancements. Dr. Vargas will provide post-incident evaluations and create comprehensive care plans to ensure drivers can return to the track safely.
Dr. Fiege expressed her pride in being part of an organization that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its participants, emphasizing the importance of promoting health in IndyCar racing. She looks forward to focusing on the health of IndyCar NXT drivers to prolong their careers. Dr. Vargas also shared his excitement in joining the IndyCar Medical Team and providing care for motorsports athletes. He aims to offer his expertise in neurotrauma to safeguard driver safety and performance.
Both Dr. Fiege and Dr. Vargas bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the IndyCar Medical team, enhancing the level of care and support available to drivers and teams within the series. Their appointments underscore IndyCar’s commitment to safety and the well-being of its participants, setting a high standard for medical services in motorsports. Fans can expect to see continued advancements in medical care and safety measures as IndyCar continues to prioritize the health and performance of its athletes.
