American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
For Immediate Release May 03, 2007

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS:  The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine recently awarded John Su, MD, MPH, the annual Harry Galanty Award for excellence in sports medicine research. Dr. Su’s study, Hyponatremia in Recreational Endurance Cyclists, examined sodium levels in 83 cyclists before and after a 100 mile bicycle ride. Dr. Su found that 8.4% of the cyclists developed hyponatremia, defined as a sodium level below 135 millimoles/liter. Compared with cyclists whose sodium levels remained normal, those who developed hyponatremia took longer to complete the ride, consumed more fluid during the ride, gained more weight during the ride, and had a lower body mass index.

Harry Galanty, MD, was a respected sports medicine physician, teacher, and clinical researcher. He was highly regarded by his colleagues. He died from cancer at a young age.

Dr. Su is completing a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at UCLA. He is an avid cyclist.

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was organized in 1991 by physicians who recognized the need for an organization within the field of sports medicine that approached athletes, exercising individuals and teams comprehensively with consultative and continuous care of their orthopedic, medical, nutritional and psychosocial issues. Although sports medicine concepts are often thought of in conjunction with professional and elite athletes, these concepts apply to athletes of all levels including grade school, high school, college and recreational athletes. AMSSM is comprised of over 1000 Sports Medicine Physicians whose goal is to provide a link between the rapidly expanding core of knowledge related to sports medicine and its application to patients in a clinical setting.

NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 11639 Earnshaw, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 327-1415.