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Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Sacramento

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 14, 2024

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Sacramento

Overview of Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise.

It encompasses a wide range of medical services, including injury diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.

This specialty is essential for athletes of all levels, from professionals to weekend warriors, as it helps maintain peak physical condition and facilitates swift recovery from injuries.

Sports Medicine in Sacramento's Healthcare Landscape

Sacramento, as a city with a rich sports culture and active lifestyle, has seen an increasing demand for sports medicine specialists.

The presence of professional sports teams, numerous amateur leagues, and a health-conscious population contributes to this growing need.

Sports medicine in Sacramento often integrates with other specialties such as orthopedics, physical therapy, and rehabilitation medicine to provide comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals.


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List of Sports Medicine Doctors in Sacramento

Dr. Elke Cooke

Dr. Elke Cooke

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English, German

Phone

(916) 596-3480

American Board of Emergency Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN / MEDICAL CENTER (Medical School, 2002)

English

German

Integrative Medicine

Sports Medicine

KC

Dr. Karen Chaney

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

English

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Chiropractic

CM

Dr. Charmaine Magale

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

English

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

AS

Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Stanford University Medical Center-Department Of Surgery/Emergency Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)

University Of California San Francisco School Of Medicine-General and Neurological Surgery (Residency Hospital, 1984)

University Of California San Francisco School Of Medicine-General Surgery (Internship Hospital, 1982)

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (Medical School, 1981)

English

Spanish

UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights

Sports Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Alternative Medicine

AW

Dr. Alexandra Warrick

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY / SACRAMENTO / COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Medical School)

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Sports Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. Michael Leathers

Dr. Michael Leathers

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of California, San Francisco (Fellowship Hospital, 2017)

University of California Los Angeles Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2016)

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

University of Southern California (Undergraduate School, 2006)

English

Spanish

Mercy General Hospital

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

JR

Dr. Jeremiah Ray

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(949) 557-0773

American Board of Emergency Medicine

Stanford University (Medical School)

English

Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

Sports Medicine

Emergency Medicine

KB

Dr. Kevin Burnham

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Emergency Medicine

University of California at San Diego (Medical School, 2009)

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Internal Medicine

BW

Dr. Brandee Waite

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(916) 985-9300

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

PD

Dr. Paul Dagenais

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

JB

Dr. Jason Brayley

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

Loma Linda University (Medical School)

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Alberto Panero

Dr. Alberto Panero

5.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Dr. Alberto Panero is a highly experienced sports medicine specialist and physiatrist in Sacramento, CA. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University and his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Miami, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Alberto Panero is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and holds a certification in Sports Medicine. Fluent in English and Spanish, he maintains affiliations with Alberto Panero and networks with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross. Patients have rated him with a perfect 5.0 star rating.

Alberto Panero

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Sports Medicine (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Medical School - Nova Southeastern University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

University of Miami, Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

University of California, Davis, Fellowship in Sports Medicine

English

Spanish

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross

2801 K St, Ste 330 Sacramento, CA

Sports Medicine Specialist

Physiatrist

Dr. Alberto Panero

Dr. Alberto Panero

4.9

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

UC-Davis Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2013)

Broward General Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2010)

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2009)

English

Spanish

Mercy General Hospital

UC Davis Medical Center

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Regenerative Medicine

Sports Medicine

Dr. Alan Hirahara

Dr. Alan Hirahara

4.7

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Toronto (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

Universite de Montreal (Residency Hospital, 2000)

University of California, San Francisco (Internship Hospital, 1996)

UCLA (Undergraduate School, 1990)

University of California at Los Angeles (Undergraduate School, 1990)

English

French

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

RB

Dr. Rita Bermudez

4.5

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY / SACRAMENTO / COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Medical School, 1987)

English

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Pain Medicine

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. Brian Davis

Dr. Brian Davis

4.3

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(702) 968-3240

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

University Med Dent Nj Newark (Residency Hospital, 1996)

University Pa Presbyn Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1993)

Meharry Medical College (Medical School, 1992)

National Louis University (Undergraduate School, 1988)

Northern Illinois University (Undergraduate School, 1986)

English

Spanish

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Dr. David Wang

Dr. David Wang

4.2

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Southern California Orthopaedic Institute (Fellowship Hospital, 2009)

Duke University (Residency Hospital, 2008)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2003)

English

Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

Dr. Amir Jamali

Dr. Amir Jamali

4.2

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Bern (Fellowship Hospital, 2003)

Harvard Medical School (Massachusetts General Hospital / Brigham and Women's Hospital) (Fellowship Hospital, 2002)

UC San Diego (Internship Hospital, 1996)

University of California at San Diego (Internship Hospital, 1996)

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

University of Virginia (Undergraduate School, 1991)

English

John Muir Health-Concord Medical Center

John Muir Health-Walnut Creek Medical Center

San Ramon Regional Medical Center

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

DH

Dr. Daniel Herman

4.2

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

TP

Dr. Tobias Paiva

4.1

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(530) 886-2300

American Board of Internal Medicine

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (Medical School, 1998)

English

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital

Sports Medicine

Internal Medicine

PJ

Dr. Peter Rinaldi Jr

4.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(916) 985-9300

American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Mercy San Juan Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

KL

Dr. Kent Lai

4.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(530) 671-2020

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

English

Sports Medicine

Dr. Adrian Tabares

Dr. Adrian Tabares

3.9

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN / HOSPITAL AND CLINICS (Medical School, 2011)

English

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Christopher Wilson

Dr. Christopher Wilson

3.8

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Curtis Natl Hand Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Walter Reed Army MC (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Madigan Army Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1996)

Baylor College of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

Baylor University (Medical School, 1995)

UC Davis (Undergraduate School, 1985)

University of California, Davis School of Medicine (Undergraduate School, 1985)

English

Mercy General Hospital

Orthopedic Hand Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Bone & Joint Non-Surgical Orthopedics

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Orthopedics

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Dr. Mark Endicott

Dr. Mark Endicott

3.7

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences (Medical School, 1980)

University of California, Davis School of Medicine (Undergraduate School, 1976)

English

Spanish

Mercy General Hospital

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Sutter Amador Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. William Mora

Dr. William Mora

3.3

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

Valley Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1989)

University of California, Davis School of Medicine (Medical School, 1985)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

SV

Dr. Steven Vilter

3.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

University of California at San Diego (Medical School, 1980)

English

Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Geriatric Medicine

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

EU

Dr. Ezechinyerem Uzosike

2.7

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(707) 624-4000

American Board of Family Medicine

University of California at San Francisco (Medical School, 2011)

English

Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

BO

Dr. Baran Onder

2.6

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(216) 518-4633

American Board of Family Medicine

Case Western Reserve University (Medical School, 2007)

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

HC

Dr. Hilary Crawford

1.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Emergency Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Emergency Medicine

SJ

Dr. Susan Joy

1.0

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

University of Connecticut (Medical School, 1996)

English

Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

CB

Dr. Charles Brennan

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

English

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

RH

Dr. Robert Harrison

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

English

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Chiropractic

NS

Dr. Neil Speth

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (Medical School, 1987)

English

Sports Medicine

AS

Dr. Alyssa Speciale

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(916) 985-9300

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

English

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

KB

Dr. Kara Babo

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(707) 423-3000

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

JW

Dr. Joshua Wilner

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

JC

Dr. Jovauna Currey

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(707) 393-4000

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (Medical School, 2014)

English

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

MF

Dr. Marcia Faustin

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English, French

American Board of Family Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITAL / ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY (Medical School, 2013)

English

French

UC Davis Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

BO

Beatriz Olmedo

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

English

Sports Medicine

JL

Dr. Joshua Lider

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(406) 457-4100

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

English

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

GR

Dr. Gloria Rho

N/A

Sacramento, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

English

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Choosing a Sports Medicine Physician in Sacramento

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Sports Medicine Physician

Qualifications and Board Certifications

  • Review of relevant board certifications (e.g., American Board of Family Medicine, American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
  • Importance of fellowship training in Sports Medicine

Experience and Expertise

  • Years of practice in Sports Medicine
  • Subspecialties within Sports Medicine (e.g., orthopedic sports medicine, regenerative medicine)

Patient Reviews and Ratings

  • Importance of star ratings and number of reviews
  • Analysis of patient feedback for insights into doctor-patient relationships

Hospital Affiliations

  • Consideration of affiliated hospitals' reputation and facilities
  • Accessibility of hospital locations in Sacramento

Steps in the Physician Selection Process

Research and Initial Screening

  • Utilizing online resources and databases
  • Creating a shortlist based on qualifications and patient ratings

Verifying Credentials and Insurance Compatibility

  • Checking board certifications and state medical licenses
  • Ensuring the physician accepts your insurance plan

Scheduling Consultations

  • Importance of meeting potential physicians in person
  • Preparing questions about their approach to sports medicine

Evaluating Communication and Comfort Level

  • Assessing the physician's ability to explain complex medical concepts
  • Gauging personal comfort and trust with the physician

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Specialists in Sacramento

Dr. Elke Cooke

Credentials and Specialties

  • 5-star rating with 140 reviews
  • Specializes in Integrative Medicine and Sports Medicine
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine

Education and Languages

  • Medical School: University of Michigan Medical Center (2002)
  • Fluent in English and German

Contact Information

  • Phone: (916) 596-3480

Dr. Alberto Panero

Credentials and Specialties

  • 4.9-star rating with 128 reviews
  • Specializes in Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Education and Languages

  • Fellowship: UC-Davis Medical Center (2014)
  • Medical School: Nova Southeastern University (2009)
  • Fluent in English and Spanish

Hospital Affiliations

  • Mercy General Hospital
  • UC Davis Medical Center
  • Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Dr. Alan Hirahara

Credentials and Specialties

  • 4.7-star rating with 19 reviews
  • Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Education and Languages

  • Fellowship: University of Toronto (2001)
  • Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles (1990)
  • Fluent in English and French

Hospital Affiliations

  • Sutter Medical Center-Ose Adams Medical Pavilion

Sports Medicine in Sacramento

Overview of Sports Medicine

Definition and scope of sports medicine

  • Focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries
  • Emphasis on improving athletic performance and overall physical well-being

Importance in Sacramento's active community

  • Sacramento's diverse sports scene and outdoor activities
  • Growing demand for specialized care among athletes and fitness enthusiasts

Selecting a Sports Medicine Specialist in Sacramento

Key factors to consider

  • Board certifications and specialized training
  • Experience with specific sports or types of injuries
  • Patient reviews and ratings
  • Hospital affiliations and practice locations

Understanding different types of sports medicine providers

  • Orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine
  • Primary care sports medicine physicians
  • Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists
  • Chiropractors with sports medicine focus

Top-rated Sports Medicine Specialists in Sacramento

Highly-rated physicians based on patient reviews

  • Dr. Elke Cooke (5.0 stars, 140 reviews)
  • Dr. Alberto Panero (4.9 stars, 128 reviews)
  • Dr. Alan Hirahara (4.7 stars, 19 reviews)
  • Dr. Rita Bermudez (4.5 stars, 14 reviews)
  • Dr. Brian Davis (4.3 stars, 10 reviews)

Specialists with notable credentials

  • Dr. Michael Leathers (Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery)
  • Dr. Brandee Waite (Board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
  • Dr. Kevin Burnham (Board certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine)
  • Dr. Jason Brayley (Board certified in Family Medicine)