Sports
Flyers Team Physician Dr. Gary Dorshimer Dies at 71, Remembered as 'Special Human Being'
Dr. Gary Dorshimer, the Philadelphia Flyers' longtime medical director who also cared for the Sixers and Eagles, died Saturday at 71. Players and team leadership remembered him as a skilled physician whose wit and warmth touched athletes across the city.
Dr. Gary Dorshimer, the Philadelphia Flyers' medical director and a fixture on the city's professional sports scene for decades, died Saturday at age 71, the team confirmed.
Dorshimer, who practiced internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital, served as the Flyers' team physician and medical director through multiple eras of the franchise. His care extended beyond hockey: he also worked with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Eagles, and was instrumental in building the Flyers Alumni wellness program. He treated athletes at multiple Olympic Games as well.
Dan Hilferty, chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and governor of the Flyers, said in a statement that the organization was "deeply saddened" by the loss.
"Dr. Dorshimer took exceptional care of our players and their families, coaches and entire staff over the span of several decades and was always on call whenever the team needed him," Hilferty said. "His combination of wit and humor always brought a smile to the countless number of athletes in the city that he treated and helped perform at their best."
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dorshimer also served as executive medical director of Penn Personalized Care. Hilferty noted that over a career spanning more than 40 years, Dorshimer "not only treated but took the extra time to get to know and comfort every patient he saw."
Former Flyers forward Scott Hartnell, now a team analyst, described a relationship that continued long after his playing days ended.
"You get close to the team physicians, the team doctors. He was one of the good guys," Hartnell said. "If something was wrong, he was there to help you. Since I've been retired, he has been my main physician. I just saw him three, four weeks ago for a yearly checkup. Just so sad for hearing this news."
Hartnell said Dorshimer's dedication reached well past the rink.
"He would do anything for you, he would do anything for family," he said. "My wife, my kids, even extended family. Just a special human being that was able to touch so many lives in a positive way to help them out."
Hilferty extended the organization's condolences to Dorshimer's wife, Deborah, and son, Geoffrey.
"He will be truly missed by all that knew him," Hilferty said.