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