Ep. 22: Wearing Many Hats While Building a Career Across Sports Medicine

Careers in sports medicine rarely follow a single path. In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Dr. Shelly Weinstein is joined by Dr. Lisa Piropato, a dual-credentialed physical therapist and athletic trainer whose career spans clinical care, education, administration, business ownership, and residency leadership.Together, they explore how athletic training and sports physical therapy complement one another across the continuum of athlete care—from injury through return to sport. Dr. Piropato also discusses her work supporting pregnant and postpartum athletes, her involvement in adaptive sports, and her commitment to expanding access to high-quality care. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights for students and early-career professionals on navigating career choices, embracing diverse roles, and building a professional path that aligns with both personal goals and the evolving demands of sports medicine.