Derek Hatfield, MD
Sports Medicine Fellow
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in San Diego but spent 8 years in Baltimore for undergrad and medical school.
Why did you choose UA Sports Medicine?
Having gone to residency here, I knew that the sports medicine faculty here are some of the best in the country. I was also drawn to the various levels of sports coverage, from high school to professional, and the ability to work unopposed with all the sports teams at UofA.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I have lived here for the last 3 years and while it is hot in the summer, the rest of the year is perfect weather. It makes it so nice to be able to get out and go for a hike or bike ride, or grab a beer at an outdoor patio downtown.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
When I am not in the clinic or the ER you will find me playing beach volleyball, hiking, mountain biking, or hanging out by the pool. If there were a beach closer, you would find me there every day. My sports teams are the Padres and the 49ers so I'm used to having my heart broken year after year.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Within sports medicine, I find myself drawn to concussion and sideline management of injuries. I also really enjoy teaching, whether they by medical students, residents, or my peers.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
If weather permits, I love starting the day off with a hike to somewhere with a waterfall to cool off. On the way back, I’m grabbing Mexican food from the most hole-in-the-wall restaurant I can find. Finish off the day with sitting by the pool and reading a book. The other option is to spend it sitting on the beach, but that's a little harder to find in Tucson at the moment.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
The top item on my bucket list right now is to backpack through South America and in particular, hike to Machu Pichu on the Inca Trail.