Dr. Frank Domino, a Northborough resident and physician, took on a unique role at the recent LPGA FM Championship held at TPC Boston, contributing his medical expertise as one of over 800 volunteers at the event. Unlike typical volunteers who assist with logistics, Dr. Domino provided on-site medical support to the golfers and their families.
As an attending physician and professor at UMass Chan Medical School, Dr. Domino reached out to FM Championship tournament director Patrick Healy last year, inquiring about volunteer opportunities. Healy suggested that his medical services would be particularly valuable for the players, leading to Dr. Domino's involvement as the tournament's on-call physician for the second consecutive year.
This year, Dr. Domino reported being busier than in the previous tournament, stating, "I was busier this year, but I enjoyed it more." His increased familiarity with the role helped reduce stress, allowing him to focus on providing care. Throughout the tournament week, which spanned Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, Dr. Domino attended to several golfers in person and received approximately 10-15 phone calls, significantly more than the previous year. Fortunately, all inquiries were related to minor health issues.
During the tournament, Dr. Domino was able to observe the action on the course when he wasn't tending to calls. He noted the impressive swing mechanics of LPGA player Lottie Woad, remarking on the importance of maintaining a straightforward approach to putting. His enthusiasm for the sport was evident as he followed renowned players like Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson, enjoying the more intimate atmosphere with fewer spectators present.
Dr. Domino's commitment to volunteering at the FM Championship extends beyond this year; he plans to return for the 2025 tournament. He expressed admiration for the tournament's organization, praising Healy and the staff for their management of the large volunteer group and the overall smooth operation of the event. This high level of organization contributed to the FM Championship being recognized as the tournament of the year by the players.
In addition to his medical duties, Dr. Domino enjoys playing golf himself, holding a 16.8 handicap at Juniper Hill Golf Course. He recently celebrated a solid round of 85 at Kettle Brook Golf Club, tying his career-low score at Juniper Hill. His passion for golf is evident, as he shares stories of his annual golf trips to Florida with friends.
Dr. Domino's journey to becoming a physician is filled with serendipitous moments, including a chance encounter that led to his acceptance into medical school after years of applications. He emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities, a lesson he shares with his medical students. Despite his significant role at the FM Championship, Dr. Domino remains humble, only sharing his experiences with close friends.
As the LPGA Tour continues to grow, events like the FM Championship highlight the community involvement and dedication of individuals like Dr. Domino. His story serves as an inspiring reminder of how passion for both medicine and sports can intersect, creating unique opportunities for service and engagement within the sporting community.
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