As Houston prepares to host the World Cup June 11 through July 19 and play host to fans from around the world, Houston Methodist physicians are available to discuss a variety of health topics that accompany a global sporting event of this scale.

 

 

Emergency Medicine

Dr. Neil Gandhi, an emergency medicine physician, can discuss how World Cup fans can stay healthy and safe during the festivities and avoid a visit to the ER. He can address how heat-related illnesses, dehydration, excessive drinking and skipping prescribed medications are common but avoidable reasons for medical treatment during major sporting events.

 

Dr. Michael Nguyen, an emergency medicine physician at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, is available to speak to the real‑time health and safety challenges that can arise during a high-volume event like the World Cup. As an ER doctor, he offers frontline perspective on common issues that bring fans to the emergency department — including heat-related illness, dehydration, injuries and when symptoms signal a true medical emergency — helping audiences understand what to watch for and when to seek care.

 

Neurology

Concussions account for 22% of all soccer-related injuries. While heading, a technique where players redirect the ball with their head, is a major cause, the majority of concussions result from collisions with other players. Dr. Kenneth Podell, director of the Houston Methodist Concussion Center, can discuss the risks, signs and symptoms, and prevalence of concussions in soccer.

 

Infectious Disease

Dr. Wesley Long, medical director of microbiology and pathology informatics and an associate professor of pathology and genomic medicine, can discuss the public health and infectious disease implications of large-scale influxes of visitors.

 

Dr. Ashley Drews, system epidemiologist, is available to speak on infectious disease risks associated with large international gatherings like the World Cup, including prevention strategies, transmission trends and public health preparedness.

 

Dr. Cesar Arias, co-director of the Center for Infectious Diseases, can discuss infectious disease risks and prevention and control, in relation to public safety during and after the World Cup.

 

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Dr. Vijay Jotwani, an orthopedics and sports medicine physician, and Drs. Kyle Borque and Travis Hanson, both orthopedic surgeons, serve on the medical staff of the U.S. Soccer national teams. They can speak to injury prevention, recovery and return-to-play considerations during high-intensity international competition, as well as how elite-level care translates to everyday patients and the demands of World Cup–style tournaments.

 

Dr. David Lintner, an orthopedic surgeon, team medical director for the Houston Astros and assistant team orthopedist for the Houston Texans, can speak to caring for elite athletes and team training on a professional level.

 

Dr. Haris Vakil, a non-operative orthopedics, primary care and sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital can discuss what goes into return-to-play decisions mid-tournament and why knockout rounds can be more dangerous.

 

Dr. Scott Rand, non-operative orthopedics, primary care and sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and staff physician for two U.S. Olympic teams, can discuss the care and treatment of professional athletes, offering insight into injury evaluation, recovery strategies and how high-performance demands impact medical decision making.

 

Dr. Jonathan Zalamea, non-operative orthopedics, primary care and sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, can discuss musculoskeletal injuries and the path to returning to the sport. He can provide guidance on recovery, rehabilitation and injury prevention.

 

Cardiology

Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, cardiologist, can discuss how Houston’s heat and humidity can affect the heart health of players and fans who aren’t used to the area’s warm and muggy climate.

 

Dr. Juan Carlos Rozo (Spanish/English speaker), cardiologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, can discuss the heart-related risks for fans and players during the World Cup and when symptoms signal the need for urgent medical care.

 

Primary Care

Dr. Eleazar Flores at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital (Spanish speaker) can discuss general healthcare inquiries related to the World Cup.

 

Dr. Kystal Lopez, primary care physician at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital (Spanish/English speaker), is available to discuss general health considerations during the World Cup. She can provide easy to understand guidance on staying well during large scale events and navigating the US healthcare system.

 

Nutrition

Amanda Beaver, wellness dietician, can speak to nutrition and hydration considerations for high-level athletes including the ideal diet and foods to fuel the body through intense and high-impact sports.

 

Eye Health

Dr. Andrew Lee, chair of ophthalmology specializing in neuro-ophthalmology, is available to discuss smart habits that could help protect fans and spectators from eye strain and trauma during the World Cup. He can discuss how long days in the sun at match venues, nonstop screen time and late‑night game recaps can cause long-term eye defects.

 

Sleep Medicine

Dr. Priya Oolut, a pulmonologist specializing in sleep medicine at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, can discuss the best ways to overcome jet lag and sleep disturbances for fans and players traveling across time zones.

 

Women’s Health & OB-GYN

Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians Dr. Rosalyn Miller, division chief of OB-GYN and Dr. Cynthia Rios, OB-GYN (Spanish speaker), can share practical tips for pregnant fans attending the games or tailgating in the heat, including how to make safe food choices and ensure proper nutrition while on the go. They can also offer guidance on managing long periods on one’s feet and how to reduce swelling and maintain energy for long days in the heat.

 

Dr. Victoria Petruzzi, an OB-GYN at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, is available to speak to women’s health considerations during the World Cup, including pregnancy-related concerns, reproductive health needs and sports-related pelvic or abdominal injuries. She can offer practical guidance for expectant mothers attending events — from staying safe in crowded, high-heat environments to recognizing symptoms that may require medical attention — helping audiences better understand how to enjoy the festivities while prioritizing their health.

 

For more information or to schedule an interview with one of the experts, contact Amy McCaig, manager of public relations at Houston Methodist, at 217.417.2901 or almccaig@houstonmethodist.org or Maryssa Silva, senior media relations specialist at Houston Methodist, at 346.864.1699 or msilva@houstonmethodist.org.