From the Court to the Clinic: Athlete Success in Medicine

Explore inspiring stories of athletes who now excel as medical students, residents, and physicians. Learn how sports experience enhances medical success.

  • Female athlete celebrating on a volleyball court, wearing a USA jersey and knee brace.

    Ogonna: Two-time volleyball Olympian turned Surgeon.

    In this article by USA Volleyball, Dr. Nnamani Silva shares how lessons learned in sport have helped her navigate the demanding medical field. Read about Dr. Nnamani Silva’s journey from the olympics to the operating room.

    Read the full article here.

  • A football player in a purple Northwestern uniform and helmet stands in front of a doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope, with Northwestern logo patches visible.

    Northwestern Football: How Tyler Gillikin balances sports and medical school.

    Learn how Tyler Gillikin has balanced the demands of playing Division I football during medical school in this Chicago Tribune article.

    Read the full article here.

  • A male speed skater in a red suit leaning into a turn on an indoor track with an audience watching in the background.

    How Dr. Eric Heiden earned a place among America's greatest athletes.

    Dr. Eric Heiden, five time Olympic gold medalist and orthopedic surgeon, is considered to be one of the greatest athletes in America. Learn about his story in this ESPN article.

    Read the full article here.

  • An ice hockey player celebrating, wearing a red Canada jersey with a maple leaf logo, a helmet, and gloves, with arms raised in triumph on the ice rink.

    Hayley Wickenheiser says hockey prepared her for a career in medicine.

    In this CBC article, six-time Olympian Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser shares how the lessons she learned in sports prepared her for a career in medicine.

    Read the full article here.

  • Medical professional in a white lab coat holding a stethoscope.

    Athletes becoming doctors: Why do athletes excel in the medical profession?

    This article by Catapult Sports explores some of the reasons why athletes make exceptional doctors.

    Read the full article here.

  • A man with a beard and serious expression, wearing a white head covering and black jacket with a logo, standing indoors with a blurred background.

    Myron Rolle: NFL player-turned-doctor on COVID-19 front line.

    After playing in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Dr. Myron Rolle is now a resident at Harvard Medical School. Read this CNBC piece to learn about his experience working 24-hour shifts on the front lines of COVID-19.

    Read the full article here.

  • A woman in athletic clothes doing a seated forward stretch on a running track, smiling and holding her feet with both hands.

    Do student-athletes make good doctors?

    The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) interviewed experts and dove into the current research to answer the question: do student-athletes make good doctors? Spoiler: it appears they do!

    Read the full article here.

  • A baseball player in a St. Louis Cardinals jersey and red helmet holding a bat during a game with a crowd in the background.

    Inside Mark Hamilton's journey from the MLB to MD fighting Coronavirus.

    Check out this ESPN article to see how former MLB first basemen Dr. Mark Hamilton has been helping his community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Read the full article here.

  • A young woman sitting on a track field, tying her running shoes, with a black bag and water bottle beside her. In the background, another person is sitting, possibly stretching or resting.

    How to Juggle a Pre-Med Focus and College Sports

    Check out this US News article for some tips on time management and well-being for collegiate athletes pursuing a career in medicine.

    Read the full article here.

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