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Sports Medicine Institute Team

Appointments

Call or click for an in-person
or virtual visit.

Call us at
305-689-5555 (Option 2)

Or

Meet Your Team

Our clinical and research experts combine research and innovative medicine to offer the most effective ways to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

Kaplan
LEE KAPLAN, M.D.
DIRECTOR
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE
Baraga
MICHAEL G. BARAGA, M.D.
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE
Muoz
JULIANNE MUÑOZ, M.D.
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE
Best
THOMAS M. BEST, M.D., PH.D.
PRIMARY CARE, SPORTS MEDICINE
Stephen
STEPHEN HENRY, D.O.
PRIMARY CARE, SPORTS MEDICINE
Paultre
KRISTOPHER PAULTRE, M.D.
PRIMARY CARE, SPORTS MEDICINE
Hotz
GILLIAN HOTZ, PH.D.
DIRECTOR, CONCUSSION PROGRAM
Chileuitt
ABRAHAM A. CHILEUITT, M.D., M.Sc.
SPORTS MEDICINE NEUROLOGY AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PHYSICIAN
Jose
Jean Jose, M.D.
DIRECTOR OF IMAGING, SPORTS MEDICINE
Elias
Patrick Elias, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Letter
Michael Letter, Ph.D., PA-C
Physician Assistant
Jesica Brown
Jesica Brown, MPS, LAT, ATC
Clinical Department Administrator
Brooker
Gerard Brooker LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Cabral
Aricia Cabral LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Dang
Kim Dang, MBA, LAT, ATC
Senior Practice Manager - Doral/Plantation
Medina
Armani Medina, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Placencia
Susana Placencia, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Rennals
Stef Rennalls, MS, LAT, ATC
Senior Practice Manager - Lennar Foundation Medical Center
Samantha Vassell
Samantha Vassell
LPN
Maria Fernandez Rodriguez
Maria Fernandez Rodriguez
Medical Assistant
Vicente Martinez
Vicente Martinez
Cast Technician
Manuel Suarez
Manuel Suarez
Cast Technician

 

Roles Within Our Sports Medicine Team

As a patient at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, you will be seen by a wide variety of specialists who work together for your complete care.

There are many levels of care providers you may see during your recovery or training. It can get a little confusing, so we broke down the key players and what they bring to your care team.

Physician Assistant

A physician assistant (PA) has undergone years of specialized medical training, oftentimes including specific training in a subspecialty area, like sports medicine. They work closely with the rest of your sports medicine team to diagnose your condition, develop and manage your treatment plan, and prescribe medication (when necessary). Though a PA cannot perform surgery, they can perform many of the same functions as a doctor.

Athletic Trainers

An athletic trainer (AT) is a health care professional who has special training in working with athletes and others who participate in physical activities. They work closely with doctors to provide a wide variety of medical services, including preventive care, emergency services, diagnosis of injuries, therapy, and rehabilitation after injury or illness. Working with an AT and following their instructions may help prevent injury and reduce your chances of re-injury.

Medical Assistant

As part of your sports medicine treatment, you may see a medical assistant. A medical assistant performs various tasks on the treatment team, including asking you about and gathering your medical history, as well as collecting and recording your vital signs, such as your heart rate, respiration (breathing) rate, and blood pressure. The medical assistant will then share this information with your doctor and the rest of your care team.

Physical Therapist

If you are recovering from an illness or injury that has affected your ability to move and perform everyday activities, your treatment plan may include seeing a physical therapist for regular sessions. Your sessions may include treating your affected body area with certain exercises or stretches, applying heat or cold therapy, using electrical stimulation or massage, or aquatic (water) therapy.

Some of the most common conditions that require physical therapy include arthritis, joint and soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, and workplace injuries. The role of the physical therapist is to aid your sports medicine team in making a diagnosis of your injury or condition, and then developing and executing a treatment plan that will help you return to as close to your full function as possible.

Radiologist

A radiologist is a fellowship-trained specialist who has received advanced training in musculoskeletal (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones) ultrasound. The type of imaging that a radiologist uses does not involve radiation or contrast material and is safe for most patients. You will be seen by a radiologist if you need to undergo imaging tests to help your sports medicine team diagnose your condition or monitor your treatment progress.

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Official Sports Medicine Provider

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