PARIS – Dr. Marcia Faustin joined UC Davis athletics sports medicine in 2017 and was elevated to Co-Head Team Physician in 2023. In that time, she has helped numerous Aggie student-athletes overcome injuries and obstacles. Her arrival also brought her experience of working with the USA Women's Gymnastics Olympic Team as Co-Head Team Physician.
 
This past summer, Dr. Faustin reprised her role as Co-Head Team Physician with USA Gymnastics at the Paris Olympics. Along with her medical expertise, her talents as an electrician benefitted the stars and stripes.
 
"The AC went out in one of the team rooms one night," said Dr. Faustin. "So, we went to our friend Google, to find the best way to get it functioning. Being in the village for these Olympics brought on new experiences, and those were some of my favorite moments with the athletes, coaches, and support staff."
 
Dr. Faustin has worked with USA Gymnastics since 2017 and became Co-Head Team Physician in 2019 just ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
 
Drawing from her wealth of experience over two Olympic Games, she has brought her signature 'taking care of the entire person' technique to Davis, where she now nurtures Aggie student-athletes both on and off the field. "It's all based on trust, and just like seeing the athletes here in clinic at Davis, that trust is gained through many different experiences and through working together."
 
While in Tokyo, at her first Olympics, Dr. Faustin found herself in the center of international news when 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles was battling the "twisties" on the biggest stage. It was in that moment, Dr. Faustin did what she has always done, "use the biopsychosocial approach to take care of the whole person".
 
"It's the premise of primary care, our job is to help address biopsychosocial aspects of medicine," said Dr. Faustin. "The beautiful part of medicine is having the opportunity to take care of the entire person and not only their musculoskeletal problem. For me it's about understanding each person's individual strengths and challenges, while also supporting their mental health, especially during extremely high stress moments", continued Dr. Faustin. "People want to be validated and heard, and we do what we can to support them and help them reach their goals."
 
Leading into the Paris Olympics, two-time gold medalist, Sunisa Lee, was diagnosed with dueling kidney diseases. Lee turned to Dr. Faustin for support and help, mentioning in a pre-Olympics press conference how much Dr. Faustin played a role in her journey back. That journey eventually led to three medals, including a bronze in the All-Around finals.
 
In those moments, Dr. Faustin knew it was important to be there for Lee as she battled through more than just physical woes, but mental challenges as well.
 
"Even when my Co-Team Physician and I are not there physically with the athletes, we support them medically from afar and connect with the medical team at their respective homes." said Dr. Faustin.
 
There aren't many places or moments that can simulate the pressure felt while competing in the Olympics, but that didn't stop Team USA Gymnastics from finding themselves taking home medal after medal throughout their time in Paris.
 
 "They are competing in a high stress environment," said Dr. Faustin. "And it's important that there is mutual trust, and that the gymnasts know we are there supporting them as individuals, similar to the way I treat the UC Davis student-athletes."
 
Although she prefers not to be in the spotlight, several news articles and social media posts published during the Olympics highlighted the work Dr. Faustin has done with the USA Gymnastics medical team.
 
With that level of visibility, Dr. Faustin is ever conscious that she is representing women of color in the medical field, where less than 3 percent of her peers are black women. She is happy to provide that representation and proud that the sport of gymnastics is becoming more diverse. 
 
"Along with watching the women win the Team Gold Medal, I had chills witnessing an all-black podium, when Simone Biles, Rebecca Andrade [of Brazil] and Jordan Chiles won the floor medals," said Dr. Faustin. "These women are inspiring kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds all around the world, reminding them that they can do anything they put their mind and heart to."
 
Since joining USA Gymnastics, Dr. Faustin has made lasting impacts in positive ways, both publicly and behind closed doors. The way she prioritizes her patients, not just as exceptional athletes, but as human beings, has led to comebacks both physical and mental.
 
"I always ask, 'How can I support you in this moment?'," said Dr. Faustin. "And from there I can learn how to treat them as an individual, supporting them as they do extraordinary things at the highest level. It's the best part of my job."

This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of "Assess and Value Personal" by developing diverse personnel that contribute to a positive experience and meaningful impact. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE