Dr. Joseph Liu, Orthopedic Surgeon for USC and the LA Kings

In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, hosts Will Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia welcome Dr. Joseph Liu, an orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in sports medicine. Dr. Liu shares insights from his training at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Rush University, and his current role at Keck Medicine of USC, where he treats both collegiate athletes and professional teams like the LA Kings. He discusses the unique challenges of being a team physician, including the pressure to quickly return athletes to play and the complexities of managing high-stakes injuries. Dr. Liu also highlights the importance of collaboration among various specialists to ensure comprehensive care for athletes.

The conversation delves into the medical-legal aspects of sports medicine, particularly the recent high-profile lawsuit involving NFL team physicians, and the potential solutions such as league-provided insurance to protect team doctors. Dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, sharing his personal strategies for staying grounded, including regular exercise and travel. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of sports medicine with the introduction of NIL deals and transfer portals in collegiate sports, and how these changes impact athlete management. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of sports medicine and the life of a team physician.

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