101. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Orthopedic Injuries, Baseball Medicine & Role of the Team Physician | Robert Bowers, DO, PhD

Robert Bowers, DO, PhD, joins the show to discuss PRP (platelet-rich plasma), baseball medicine, the role of the team physician, and the future of orthobiologics and sports medicine. Dr. Bowers is an attending physician at Emory Sports Medicine and the director of the ⁠Emory Baseball Medicine Program⁠. As a former Division 1 college athlete himself, he brings a unique understanding of sports-related injuries to his patients. He currently serves as team physician for the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Tech baseball team. He is also the head team physician for the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, and Woodward Academy.  He attended Furman University in South Carolina where he played Division 1 college baseball and majored in health and exercise science. He then attended graduate school at Auburn University where he earned a Master of Education in exercise science and a PhD in exercise physiology. Following graduate school, Dr. Bowers earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Emory University School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. Subsequently, he completed a sports medicine fellowship at Emory as well.  In this episode, we discuss: Platelet-rich plasma: Definitions, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, optimization and specific protocols. Alternatives to corticosteroids in MSK medicine Role of the Team Physician Baseball Medicine Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Future of orthobiologics and sports medicine Resources mentioned in the show Studies Fitzpatrick - PRP for Tendinopathy Mishra - PRP for Tennis Elbow Mautner - PRP Classification System JAMA Landmark Study - Triamcinolone and knee cartilage loss Bennell - PRP for cartilage Loss Podcasts Dr. Gerry Malanga on Medicine Redefined