Heather R. Cichanowski, MD

I was born and raised on the Mississippi River in Winona, MN. Growing up I pursued competitive biking, swimming and canoeing but my main sport was Nordic skiing. I remain very active in all of these sports today. My own athletic experiences, including injuries, sparked my strong interest in sports medicine. My practice focus is the care of musculoskeletal injuries as well the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine, including return to play decisions, concussions, nutrition and injury prevention. From my own injury experiences, I know how important it is for injured athletes to resume sport participation timely, efficiently and safely. I am a medical volunteer for many local events including the Twin Cities Marathon, Minnesota State High School League Championships in a variety of sports, local high school football games and USA Cup soccer.

In August 2010 I spent several exciting weeks in Colorado Springs, CO providing medical care for our elite athletes as part of the United States Olympic Committee Medical Volunteer Program.

My professional goals are to keep active individuals participating in their sports pursuits and motivate the sedentary to become active. From the fitness patient to the weekend warrior to the elite athlete, I want to optimize activity and health in all of my patients.

Other interests include travel, hiking, paddle sports including canoeing and sea kayaking, woodworking and Norwegian studies.

Professional Associations: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine

Team Medical Coverage:
Hill-Murray School, Maplewood, MN (2005-present)
Volunteer Physician for USSA (United States Ski & Snowboard Association) Nordic Ski teams, 2010-present

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota, 2005-present

Attending Physician: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program, University of Minnesota, 2008-present