Sports Medicine Highlights: Teaming Up with the Washington Football Team

As a sports medicine doctor in the NFL, the stakes are high — but so is the excitement, says Brandon Bryant, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Inova Sports Medicine and a team doctor for the Washington Football Team. We asked Bryant what it’s like keeping the pros healthy.

What is it like working with the Washington Football Team?

There’s an excitement, especially on game days. It can be stressful — the stakes are high as far as diagnosing injuries and treating them correctly. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes before, during and after the game. We’re working with players, coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists and agents to make sure everybody is on the same page.

What are the highlights?
Working with the NFL has enabled me to stay at the forefront of my own personal game. The team makes sure their athletes get the best treatments out there. I’m learning about the latest and greatest treatment and rehab options. That spawns new insight and new thinking that I can take back to patients in my regular practice.

Is it stressful?

Everybody thinks it must be cool to be on the sidelines, and it is. But there’s a bit of anxiety with every play. You don’t know when somebody is going to drop with an injury. Game day for us is just as important as it is for the players in terms of being ready to jump into action.

What makes for a good day at work?

The best game day for the medical staff doesn’t hinge on who wins or loses. We certainly root for our team, but the biggest thing is to avoid injuries and keep the players game-ready. If players are injured, the ultimate goal is to get them healed so they can do what they do best, which is play the game they love. That’s their goal and our goal, and when it all comes together, it’s a joy to watch.

You can receive the same care as the pros with Inova Sports Medicine. Injured? Inova Sports Medicine’s team of experts will develop your personalized plan to get you back in the game. Request an appointment today!

Inova Sports Medicine is the Official Sports Medicine Partner of the Washington Nationals.