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Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Wilmington

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 12, 2024

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Wilmington

Definition and scope of Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. It is essential for athletes of all levels, from professionals to weekend warriors, as well as for individuals who lead active lifestyles.

Sports Medicine physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse injuries. They also provide guidance on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and safe return to play after injury.

The landscape of Sports Medicine in Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a robust selection of Sports Medicine specialists. Based on the provided data, there are at least 17 physicians in the area who specialize in Sports Medicine, many of whom also have expertise in related fields such as Orthopedic Surgery and Family Medicine.

Selecting the right Sports Medicine doctor is a significant decision that can impact your treatment outcomes and overall healthcare experience. It's important to consider factors such as the doctor's credentials, experience, patient ratings, and areas of expertise when making your choice.


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List of Sports Medicine Doctors in Wilmington

SN

Sonia Nelson

5.0

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 239-3562

East Carolina University (1999)

English

Dietetics

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Sports Medicine

Bariatric Surgery

Prenatal Care

Nutrition

Pediatric Nutrition

AB

Dr. Anna Bettendorf

5.0

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 251-6755

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

University of Virginia School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Medical School, 1990)

English

Neuromuscular Medicine

Sports Medicine

Dr. Scott Playford

Dr. Scott Playford

5.0

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 332-3800

American Board of Family Medicine

Anderson Area Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

College of Charleston (Undergraduate School)

Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 1997)

East Carolina University - MBA ()

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Robert Boswell

Dr. Robert Boswell

4.8

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(910) 763-7925

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

San Diego Arthroscopy and Sports Med (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

Emory University School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 1996)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

Washington and Lee University (Undergraduate School, 1991)

English

Spanish

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Hip & Knee Orthopedics

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedics

DB

Dr. Dale Boyd

4.8

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 790-9714

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Kentucky Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1992)

Wayne State University (Residency Hospital, 1991)

Polyclin Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1986)

Drexel University College of Medicine (Medical School, 1985)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. Shawn Hocker

Dr. Shawn Hocker

4.7

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 763-7925

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Utah Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Duke University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2005)

University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

University of North Carolina (Undergraduate School, 1996)

English

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Austin Yeargan

Dr. Austin Yeargan

4.5

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 769-7878

University Of Hawaii Orthopaedic Residency (Residency Hospital, 2004)

University Of Hawaii Ja Burns School Of Medicine - Orthopedic Surgery (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)

General Surgery Residency - University of Hawaii (Internship Hospital, 1998)

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Undergraduate School, 1993)

Fda-Ctr For Biologics ()

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Rheumatology

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Hand Surgery

Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthopedics

Regenerative Medicine

Dr. John O'Malley

Dr. John O'Malley

4.4

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 332-3800

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia in Sports Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)

State University Of New York, Stony Brook (Residency Hospital)

Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, NY (Medical School)

Dartmouth College (Undergraduate School)

The Graduate Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)

State University of NY (Residency Hospital, 1992)

St Elizabeths Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1988)

State University of New York Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Dr. William Sutton

Dr. William Sutton

4.4

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 251-0421

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Carilion Health Sys (Residency Hospital)

Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)

Med University Sc College Of Med (Residency Hospital, 1992)

Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1988)

Roanoke Memorial Hosps (Internship Hospital, 1988)

University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Undergraduate School, 1983)

English

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Craig Lippe

Dr. Craig Lippe

4.2

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 815-3535

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Adult Reconstruction (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Hamot Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2001)

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH / MAIN CAMPUS (Undergraduate School, 2000)

Thomas Jefferson University (Medical School, 2000)

Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Medical School, 2000)

English

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Albert Marr

Dr. Albert Marr

4.1

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(910) 332-3800

The Found for Orthopedic & Athletic Rsch (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1998)

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1994)

Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 1993)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Undergraduate School, 1989)

English

Spanish

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

RF

Dr. Richard Ferro

3.5

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 859-2273

American Board of Family Medicine

University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital)

University Of Medicine and Dentistry Of New Jersey/Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency (Residency Hospital)

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Internship Hospital)

Princeton University (Undergraduate School)

Director and Founder, Duke Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship (2003)

Duke Head Medical Team Physician (2003)

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Medical School, 1994)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Occupational Medicine

Urgent Care Medicine

DE

Dr. David Esposito

3.3

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 799-0110

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Boston University Affil Hosps (Residency Hospital, 1989)

Boston University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1989)

Shriners Hospital for Crippled Chldn (Residency Hospital, 1988)

Bay State Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1987)

Boston City Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1987)

Boston Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1987)

Lahey Clin Fdn (Residency Hospital, 1987)

University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1987)

Hartford Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1985)

University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Medical School, 1984)

English

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Scully

Dr. Kevin Scully

2.7

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(910) 763-7925

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Washington Adventist Hospital, Tacoma Park, MD (Fellowship Hospital)

University of VA Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Mary Hitchcock and Dartmouth Affiliated Hospital, Hanover, NH (Internship Hospital)

University of Virginia (Undergraduate School)

University of Virginia / Main Campus (Medical School, 1978)

English

Spanish

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

WN

Dr. William Nutt

N/A

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 763-8286

Elon University (Medical School)

English

Physical Therapy

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Occupational & Physical Therapy

DI

Dr. Dana Brooks III

N/A

Wilmington, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 832-4400

American Board of Family Medicine

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Selecting a Sports Medicine Doctor in Wilmington

Factors to consider when choosing a specialist

Credentials and board certifications

  • Review of board certifications in relevant specialties
  • Importance of American Board of Family Medicine and American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery certifications

Experience and areas of expertise

  • Evaluation of years in practice and subspecialties
  • Consideration of fellowship training in Sports Medicine

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Analysis of star ratings and number of reviews
  • Importance of reading individual patient feedback

Education and training

  • Examination of medical school and residency programs
  • Consideration of additional certifications or specialized training

Resources for finding Sports Medicine doctors in Wilmington

Online directories and review sites

  • Utilization of Healthgrades and similar platforms
  • Cross-referencing information from multiple sources

Local medical associations and sports organizations

  • Contacting Wilmington medical societies for recommendations
  • Seeking advice from local sports teams or athletic departments

Insurance provider networks

  • Checking in-network providers for your insurance plan
  • Considering out-of-network options if necessary

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Wilmington

Dr. Scott Playford

Credentials and Education

  • Board-certified in Family Medicine
  • Medical University of South Carolina (MD, 1997)
  • East Carolina University (MBA)

Patient Feedback

  • 5.0-star rating based on 22 patient reviews
  • Highly regarded for patient care and expertise

Additional Information

  • Specializes in both Sports Medicine and Family Medicine
  • Contact: (910) 332-3800

Dr. Anna Bettendorf

Credentials and Education

  • Board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • University of North Carolina School of Medicine (MD, 1990)
  • Residency at University of Virginia School of Medicine

Patient Feedback

  • 5.0-star rating based on 5 patient reviews
  • Positive patient experiences reported

Additional Information

  • Expertise in Neuromuscular Medicine and Sports Medicine
  • Contact: (910) 251-6755

Dr. Shawn Hocker

Credentials and Education

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • University of North Carolina School of Medicine (MD, 2000)
  • Fellowship at University of Utah Hospital (2006)

Patient Feedback

  • 4.7-star rating based on 115 patient reviews
  • High volume of positive patient feedback

Additional Information

  • Specializes in Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine
  • Contact: (910) 763-7925

Dr. William Sutton

Credentials and Education

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • University of North Carolina School of Medicine (MD, 1987)
  • Fellowship at Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital (1993)

Patient Feedback

  • 4.4-star rating based on 72 patient reviews
  • Consistently positive patient experiences

Additional Information

  • Focuses on Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Sports Medicine
  • Contact: (910) 251-0421

Dr. Robert Boswell

Credentials and Education

  • Board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (MD, 1995)
  • Fellowship at San Diego Arthroscopy and Sports Med (2001)

Patient Feedback

  • 4.8-star rating based on 22 patient reviews
  • Well-regarded for orthopedic and sports medicine expertise

Additional Information

  • Specializes in various orthopedic fields including Sports Medicine
  • Bilingual: English and Spanish
  • Contact: (910) 763-7925

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Sports Medicine Doctor

Importance of communication and patient-doctor relationship

Assessing the doctor's ability to explain complex medical issues

  • Review patient feedback on doctor communication skills
  • Consider doctors who are bilingual if language is a factor (e.g., Dr. Robert Boswell and Dr. Albert Marr speak Spanish)

Evaluating the doctor's approach to treatment and recovery plans

  • Look for doctors with experience in your specific sports-related concerns
  • Consider doctors with multiple specialties for comprehensive care (e.g., Dr. Scott Playford specializes in both Sports Medicine and Family Medicine)

Insurance and financial considerations

Checking insurance coverage and network participation

  • Contact insurance provider to verify coverage for specific doctors
  • Inquire about coverage for specialist visits and potential treatments

Understanding potential out-of-pocket costs

  • Ask about consultation fees and follow-up visit costs
  • Inquire about costs for common sports medicine procedures or treatments

Location and accessibility

Proximity to home or work

  • Consider doctors' office locations within Wilmington
  • Evaluate travel time and convenience for regular visits

Availability of appointments and office hours

  • Check for extended hours or weekend availability
  • Inquire about wait times for new patient appointments