Palo Alto Medical Clinic Rheumatologist Christine Thorburn, M.D., typically spends her time caring for patients’ arthritic joints, but next month she’ll be working her own joints to their capacity. Dr. Thorburn has qualified for the U.S. Olympic team for women’s cycling. An avid competitive road cyclist, she competed in the Olympic Games held in Athens in 2004.

“Four years ago was such a whirlwind,” said Dr. Thorburn. “Mentally, I feel more prepared this time around.”

A board certified rheumatologist with the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Dr. Thorburn counsels patients on proper exercise, weight management, nutrition, stress management and rest. Dr. Thorburn also treats arthritis and studies the genetic risks for systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as Lupus. While she is competing in the Games, her patients will be seen by her colleagues.

“Being a doctor may have helped me read my body and know when I need to take a rest and when I can go harder, but these are things all athletes need to learn. Where my medical education may have helped more is teaching me how to overcome challenges. Medicine is about persistence and delayed gratification. As a cyclist, it is especially important to be patient and able to focus on the longer term goals.”

The road race is a team event and the U.S. team has really improved over the past few years.

“We will be looking for one of us to get a medal in the team event. In addition, we are hoping for a medal in one of the time trials,” Dr. Thorburn said.

Web links with more details:

Her 2004 Team Sponsor’s Profile


Her 2004 US Cycling Web site Profile