Meet Your Team
Our clinical and research experts combine research and innovative medicine to offer the most effective ways to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE
LEE KAPLAN, M.D.
Director and Orthopaedic Surgeon
Petra and Stephen Levin Endowed Chair in Sports Medicine
Professor of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering, and Kinesiology and Sports Sciences
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Lee Kaplan, M.D., is the director of the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute and a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. He is also the Petra and Stephen Levin Endowed Chair in Sports Medicine, and a professor of orthopaedics, biomedical engineering, and kinesiology and sports sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Kaplan is a renowned specialist in sports-related knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries, and arthroscopic surgery. He earned his medical degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Kaplan’s career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in sports-related knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries, and arthroscopic surgery
- Board-certified in orthopaedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in orthopaedic sports medicine
- Completed his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Completed a sports medicine/shoulder fellowship, and a clinical instructor sports medicine and research fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh
- Medical director of the University of Miami Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
MICHAEL G. BARAGA, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics
Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship
Associate Director of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Michael Baraga, M.D., is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. He is also an associate professor of orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, as well as director of the orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship program, and associate director of the orthopaedic surgery residency program. Dr. Baraga specializes in knee and shoulder surgery, including ACL reconstruction and revision surgery, using all types of grafts. He is also involved in ACL injury research regarding ACL graft healing, treatment of partial tears, and individualized surgery. Dr. Baraga earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus.
Dr. Baraga’s career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in sports-related knee and shoulder injuries, including ACL injuries, knee dislocations, and patellar instability
- Board-certified in orthopaedic surgery
- Completed his internship and residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Completed his fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the University of Pittsburgh
- Team physician for the University of Miami men's and women's basketball teams, the University of Miami women's soccer team.
- Medical director and team physician for the Miami Marlins
JULIANNE MUÑOZ, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Julianne Munoz, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. She is also an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Munoz brings her vast experience in treating and caring for collegiate and professional athletes to help provide comprehensive, expert care to her patients. She earned her medical degree from University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Dr. Muñoz’s career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in orthopaedic surgery and shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine
- Completed her residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center
- Completed her fellowship training in shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
- Co-team physician for the University of Miami sports teams and the Miami Marlins
- Former fellow team physician for the New York City Football Club and New York Yankees
THOMAS M. BEST, M.D., PH.D.
Sports and Family Medicine Physician
Professor of Orthopaedics
Research Director of Sports Performance and Wellness Institute
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Thomas Best, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. He is also a professor of orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is the research director at the school's UHealth Sports Performance and Wellness Institute. Dr. Best provides comprehensive patient care using the latest advancements in sports medicine. He earned his medical degree from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, and he completed his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Duke University.
Dr. Best's career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in sports injuries, prevention of injury, and treatment of osteoarthritis
- Board-certified in family medicine with a certificate of added qualifications (CAQ) in sports medicine
- Completed his internship at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario
- Completed his residency training in family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Team physician for the University of Miami Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Miami Marlins
- Past president of the American College of Sports Medicine
Kenneth P. Barnes, M.D., MSc., CAQSM, FACSM
Primary Care
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Kenneth P. Barnes, M.D., MSc., CAQSM, FACSMis a sports medicine expertat the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, with board certifications in sports medicine, internal medicine, and paediatrics. He specializes in musculosketelatal sports injuries, paediatric fracture management, and concussiondiagnosis and treatment, particularly among youth athletes. He conducts sports medicine research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he is an associate professor of orthopaedics.Dr. Barnes comes to the UM Sports Medicine Institute from private practice in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he served on the medical faculty of several academic institutions–including as an adjunct professor of kinesiology at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as an adjunct professor of exercise science at Elon University, as an adjunct faculty member for the Cone Sports Medicine Fellowship,and as a clinical assistant professor in family medicine in the department of family medicine at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
Career highlights include:
- Fellowship in the American College of Sports Medicine
- Extensive research background, most recently focusingon concussion diagnosis, management, and the genetics and neuropsychological implications of concussion
- Author, editor and reviewerof numerous sports medicine journal articles, book chapters and other publications
- Invited presenter at numerous national sports medicine conferences and meetings
- Leadership roles in sports medicine organizationsand societies, includingthe American College of Sports Medicine, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and state medical societies
STEPHEN HENRY, D.O.
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Stephen Henry, D.O., M.S., is a board-certified family physician and sports medicine physician at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Henry specializes in providing care for athletes and sports teams. He earned his medical degree and a master’s degree in neuromuscular medicine from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Westbury, New York as well as a master’s degree in physiology from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. Dr. Henry regularly gives lectures in the department of Family Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Henry's career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in caring for athletes and sports teams
- Board-certified family physician and sports medicine physician
- Residency training was at South Nassau Communities Hospital the Long Island flagship hospital of Mount Sinai health system, in New York.
- Recipient of the National Family Medicine Resident Award For Scholarship by the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD)
- Recipient of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physician Future Leaders Scholarship
- Recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Sherry Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship
- Delivered lectures and presentations on a variety of primary care and sports medicine topics in university and hospital settings
- Recipient of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine Academic Scholarship
- Contributing author of the British Journal of Sports Medicine and Sports Review Journal
- Active Member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- Completed a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Team physician for the Miami Marlins, University of Miami athletics department, Hoophall Miami Invitational, and Gulliver Preparatory Schools
KRISTOPHER PAULTRE, M.D.
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Kristopher Paultre, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician with sports medicine fellowship training at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. With dual appointments as an assistant professor of orthopaedics and family medicine, Dr. Paultre specializes in providing sports medicine primary care to athletes of all levels. He has presented at several national scientific meetings, has multiple published research studies.
Dr. Paultre’s career highlights include:
- Clinical focus in caring for athletes and sports teams
- Board-certified family physician
- Multilingual in English, Spanish and Creole
- Earned his bachelor’s in biology from the University of Florida, and his medical degree from the UF College of Medicine
- Fellowship and residency training were completed at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Served as chief resident of family medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Won the UF College of Medicine 2016 Primary Care Sports Medicine Award
- Received the 2020 AMSSM Harry Galanty Young Investigator Award
- Team physician for the Miami Marlins and University of Miami athletics department
GILLIAN HOTZ, PH.D.
Director of Concussion Program
Research Professor of Neurosurgery
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Director, KiDZ Neuroscience Center, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Director, WalkSafe, BikeSafe, and SkateSafe programs
Gillian Hotz, Ph.D., is director of the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute’s concussion program. She is also a research professor of neurosurgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Hotz is a leading authority on sports-related concussion prevention management and has extensive experience in neurocognitive testing using computerized screening to assess mental status following a concussion. She is a nationally recognized behavioral neuroscientist and expert in pediatric and adult neuro-trauma, concussion management, and neuro-rehabilitation. Dr. Hotz earned her Ph.D. from Boston University School of Medicine. Under her leadership, the concussion program strives to improve concussion management and awareness among athletic trainers, athletes, and their parents by incorporating innovative research, education, and community outreach. Each year, Dr. Hotz evaluates and treats hundreds of athletes from South Florida high schools and colleges.
Dr. Hotz' career highlights include:
- Chaired the Florida State Concussion Task Force, which worked on legislation passed in March 2012 for the management of youth concussions
- Developed a countywide concussion program in Miami-Dade
- Initiated the first partnership with the Miami Dolphins Foundation to assist in supporting the Countywide Concussion High School Management Program
- Continues to be the principal investigator on many national and state studies/grants
- Presents at many conferences at the local, national, and international levels, as well as publishing in peer-reviewed journals and books
- Uses Concussion Injury Surveillance system to track number of concussions to prevent others
- Authored two neurocognitive tests, the Brief Test of Head Injury for adults and the Pediatric Test of Brain Injury, for children and adolescents
- Serves as director of the WalkSafe program for elementary school-age children, which has shown to reduce the pediatric pedestrian-hit-by-car rates by more than 67 percent in the studied age group
- Serves as director of the BikeSafe program to evaluate curriculums and educate middle school children
- Principal investigator of many national and state grants for injury prevention research projects and clinical trials for children with traumatic brain injury
- Credentialed ImPACT consultant
ABRAHAM A. CHILEUITT, M.D., M.Sc.
Sports Medicine Neurology and Traumatic Brain Injury Physician
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Abraham A. Chileuitt, M.D., M.Sc., is a board-certified neurologist, an assistant professor of clinical neurology, and the director of sports and performance neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Chileuitt is fellowship trained in traumatic brain injury and sport neurology, has extensive experience in sports and exercise sciences, and has participated in research on numerous subjects related to exercise sciences, sport neurology, and traumatic brain injury. He is leading the efforts to start the first sports neurology fellowship in South Florida, and serves as medical director of the UConcussion program at the Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Chileuitt’s career highlights include:
- Clinical focus on neurologic and traumatic brain injury care and rehabilitation for athletes of all levels
- Board-certified in neurology
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in exercise and sport sciences, and a master’s in clinical exercise physiology
- Earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine in St. Maarten, N.A.
- Completed his internal medicine internship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y.
- Completed neurology residency training at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga., where he served as chief resident and was recognized as resident of the year
- Attended the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. for his fellowship training in sports neurology and traumatic brain injury
- Honored with the Karl Stockhausen Medical Student of the Semester Award
- Received the Eben J. Carey, M.D. Anatomy Award
- Member of the Phi Chi Honor Medical Society
- Member of the American Academy of Neurology with involvement in the sports neurology, neurohealth and integrative neurology sections
- Member of the UM Department of Neurology Committee on Diversity
Patrick Elias, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Patrick “Pat” Elias, PA-C is a physician assistant for UHealth Sports Medicine, a division of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The division is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
A NCCPA board certified physician assistant, Patrick has extensive clinical and surgical experience in orthopaedic trauma, sports medicine, and pediatric, adult and spine orthopaedic conditions. Prior to joining the UHealth Sports Medicine team, Patrick was a Physician Assistant with the Miami Children’s Hospital’s Orthopaedic Department. He has special interest in adolescent and youth sports medicine injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Patrick is a graduate from Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program and a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. He is Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support certified.
Patrick is a volunteer medical consultant and coach for a variety of local youth sports programs.
Michael Letter, Ph.D., PA-C
Physician Assistant
Michael Letter, Ph.D., PA-C is a Physician Assistant for UHealth Sports Medicine, a division of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The division is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, U.S. Sailing, and Miami Marlins.
A NCCPA certified Physician Assistant, Dr. Letter has extensive surgical training in general orthopedics, sports medicine, trauma, and cardiovascular surgery.
He is a member of the University of Miami Sports Performance and Wellness Institute. Letter is adjunct faculty at Barry University in the School of Graduate Medical Science, and a lecturer at the University of Miami.
Dr. Letter attended Limestone College, where he was a four-year letterman for the Limestone College Saints basketball team. He graduated cum laude with a B.S. in biology. Dr. Letter received his Master’s degree from Barry University in Clinical Medical Science and his Doctoral degree in exercise physiology from the University of Miami. Dr. Letter’s current research interests include surgical outcomes and biologic therapies.
He is an amateur competitive runner and has completed 14 marathons, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
Stef Rennalls, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Estefania “Stef” Rennalls, MS, LAT, ATC is an athletic trainer for UHealth Sports Medicine, a division of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The division is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
Stef is a proud alumna of the University of Miami athletic training program. While studying at UM, she gained clinical experience with intercollegiate athletics, at a local high school, and in our clinic. She attended graduate school at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), where she obtained her master’s degree in exercise science.
Prior to joining the UHealth Sports Medicine team, Stef worked as an athletic trainer at ULM, Gulliver Academy in Miami, and Charles W. Flanagan High school in Pembroke Pines. She is a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Jesica Brown, MPS, LAT, ATC
Senior Practice Manager
Jesica Brown, MPS, LAT, ATC is the Senior Practice Manager for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute - the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and U.S. Sailing.
Jesica is a nationally certified and state licensed Athletic Trainer with extensive experience in intercollegiate NCAA Division I athletics and in the orthopedic clinic setting. Jesica also serves as the division’s outreach coordinator, coordinating athletic training coverage at local private and charter high schools through partnership agreements.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine team, she worked at a private physical rehabilitation clinic in South Florida. She has also served as a preceptor for athletic training students.
Jesica attended Hofstra University, where she graduated from the accredited Athletic Training education program. She received earned her Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree from St. John's University, specializing in Sports Management.
Jean Jose, M.D.
Director of Imaging for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Director of Radiology at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Jean Jose, M.D. is a professor of clinical radiology, orthopedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Miller School of Medicine. He is an attending physician serving as director of imaging for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, and is the director of radiology at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and holds medical licenses in Florida and New York.
In addition to his medical training, Dr. Jose holds a bachelors in cellular biology and a masters in molecular biology. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2007, where he served as chief resident from 2005-2007. In 2007, Dr. Jose received the The Evelyn and Harry Indursky Award for Outstanding Radiology Resident. Dr. Jose completed a musculoskeletal radiology fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, where he was distinguished with the 2008 Fellowship Education Award. Upon the completion of his fellowship, he accepted the position at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Jose is a member of the University of Miami Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee and is actively involved in several research studies at UM. As attending physician, Dr. Jose has been awarded several teaching awards and recognitions by the departments of radiology and orthopaedic surgery. His research interests are diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal imaging, magnetic resonance imaging of articular cartilage and sport related injuries. He has published more than 85 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, co-authored book chapters on orthopedic imaging, and has presented at more than 40 national and international medical conferences and more than 40 scientific meetings.
Aricia Cabral LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Aricia Cabral LAT, ATC, is an athletic trainer for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. The University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes and Miami Marlins. Aricia is also an outreach athletic trainer and provides sport medicine coverage for Florida Christian High School.
Aricia attended Marist College where she graduated from the accredited athletic training program. At Marist she gained experience with intercollegiate athletics, an in-hospital physical therapy clinic, and at local northeast high schools and colleges. While studying at Marist College she also staffed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. and the New York City Marathon.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, Aricia worked for a physical therapy company that provides sports medicine coverage for Palm Beach County high schools. She worked as both a clinical athletic trainer in the physical therapy clinic, and as a high school athletic trainer for Village Academy and Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She has served as a preceptor and mentor for athletic training students. Aricia is a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Gerard Brooker LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Gerard Brooker LAT, ATC, is an Athletic Trainer with the Hand Division of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He also supports the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute – a division within the Department of Orthopaedics.
Gerard attended James Madison University, where he graduated from the accredited athletic training program. During his studies, he gained experience with intercollegiate athletics, an athletic training clinic, and at a local high school. During the summer, Gerard also helped provide coverage for summer camps at the University of Virginia.
Prior to joining the University of Miami, Gerard worked for a physical therapy clinic that provides outreach coverage for Palm Beach County high schools. He worked as both a clinical Athletic Trainer in the physical therapy clinic, and as a high school Athletic Trainer for Santaluces High School. Gerard is a nationally certified and state-licensed Athletic Trainer, and a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Kim Dang, MBA, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Kim Dang, MBA, LAT, ATC is an Athletic Trainer (AT) at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute - the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and U.S. Sailing.
Kim is a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer with extensive experience in intercollegiate NCAA Division I athletics. Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, Kim served as the athletic trainer for the football and track and field teams at Morgan State University.
Kim attended the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor’s degree from their accredited athletic training program. She also received her master's degree from Morgan State University in Business Administration.
Jeremy Eith, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Jeremy Eith, MS, LAT, ATC is an Athletic Trainer at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute - the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and U.S. Sailing.
Jeremy earned attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from their accredited Athletic Training program. As a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, Jeremy obtained a Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, Jeremy gained extensive experience in athletic training in the secondary school setting. Jeremy is a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer.
Kathleen Lopez, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Kathleen Lopez, MS, LAT, ATC, is an outreach athletic trainer for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, providing medical care at Ransom Everglades Upper School.
Kathleen attended Florida International University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education: Sport & Fitness Studies and her masters degree in athletic training.
Kathleen is a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer.
Susana Placencia, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Susana Placencia, LAT, ATC, is an Athletic Trainer for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute - the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and U.S. Sailing.
Susana attended Nova Southeastern University, where she graduated from the accredited Athletic Training program. During her studies, she gained experience with intercollegiate athletics, orthopedic clinics, and local South Florida high schools.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, Susana worked for Miami Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute as an Athletic Trainer, where she gained ample knowledge and understanding of the orthopedic clinical setting. Susana is a nationally certified and state-licensed Athletic Trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Kayla Schaff, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Kayla Schaff, LAT, ATC is an Athletic Trainer (AT) at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute - the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and U.S. Sailing. She is both a clinical and outreach AT, providing medical care for Ransom Everglades Middle School.
Kayla attended Colorado State University-Pueblo where she received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. At CSU-Pueblo she gained clinical experience while completing rotations with football and men's lacrosse.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute team, Kayla worked as an Athletic Trainer at Cherokee Trails High School, Standley Lake High School, and in Colorado covering State Championship games. She is a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Hayley Garick, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Hayley Garick, LAT, ATC, was born in Albuquerque and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 2006, she moved to Miami, Fla. to pursue a degree in athletic training from the University of Miami. After graduating in 2010, Hayley worked as the associate athletic trainer at Gulliver Preparatory School from 2010-2014. At that time, she moved on to be the head athletic trainer at Westminster Christian Schools, from August 2014 to the present. Hayley describes herself as highly motivated and passionate about injury prevention in the pediatric population, with a drive to instill long-lasting effects and habits. She has created, implemented, and directs the Sports Performance Team at WCS, providing her athletes with access to prevent and manage injuries from a mental, physical, and spiritual approach. In her free time, Hayley coaches club-level volleyball and enjoys spending time with her 13-year-old dog, Corona.
Armani Medina, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Armani Medina, MS, LAT, ATC, is an athletic trainer for the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. The University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Miami Marlins.
Armani graduated from Florida International University where he received his master’s degree in athletic training. At FIU he gained clinical experience while completing rotations with the football and baseball programs, as well as at several local high schools.
Armani is currently one of our outreach athletic trainers at Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay. He is a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Stephanie Rivera, M.S.Ed., LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Stephanie Rivera, M.S.Ed., LAT, ATC, is an athletic trainer for University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. The University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute is the official sports medicine provider for the University of Miami Hurricanes and Miami Marlins. Stephanie is a clinical athletic trainer which provides coverage with the orthopedic doctors.
Stephanie attended Barry University where she graduated from the accredited athletic training program. There she gained experience with intercollegiate athletics, orthopedic clinic, and local South Florida high schools. She also obtained her master’s degree from the University of Miami in sport administration.
Prior to joining the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, Stephanie worked for Miami Springs Senior High School as an athletic trainer. She has served as a preceptor and mentor for athletic training students. Stephanie is a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Roles Within Our Sports Medicine Team
As a patient at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, you will be seen by a wide variety of specialists who work together for your complete care.
There are many levels of care providers you may see during your recovery or training. It can get a little confusing, so we broke down the key players and what they bring to your care team.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant (PA) has undergone years of specialized medical training, oftentimes including specific training in a subspecialty area, like sports medicine. They work closely with the rest of your sports medicine team to diagnose your condition, develop and manage your treatment plan, and prescribe medication (when necessary). Though a PA cannot perform surgery, they can perform many of the same functions as a doctor.
Athletic Trainers
An athletic trainer (AT) is a health care professional who has special training in working with athletes and others who participate in physical activities. They work closely with doctors to provide a wide variety of medical services, including preventive care, emergency services, diagnosis of injuries, therapy, and rehabilitation after injury or illness. Working with an AT and following their instructions may help prevent injury and reduce your chances of re-injury.
Medical Assistant
As part of your sports medicine treatment, you may see a medical assistant. A medical assistant performs various tasks on the treatment team, including asking you about and gathering your medical history, as well as collecting and recording your vital signs, such as your heart rate, respiration (breathing) rate, and blood pressure. The medical assistant will then share this information with your doctor and the rest of your care team.
Physical Therapist
If you are recovering from an illness or injury that has affected your ability to move and perform everyday activities, your treatment plan may include seeing a physical therapist for regular sessions. Your sessions may include treating your affected body area with certain exercises or stretches, applying heat or cold therapy, using electrical stimulation or massage, or aquatic (water) therapy.
Some of the most common conditions that require physical therapy include arthritis, joint and soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, and workplace injuries. The role of the physical therapist is to aid your sports medicine team in making a diagnosis of your injury or condition, and then developing and executing a treatment plan that will help you return to as close to your full function as possible.
Radiologist
A radiologist is a fellowship-trained specialist who has received advanced training in musculoskeletal (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones) ultrasound. The type of imaging that a radiologist uses does not involve radiation or contrast material and is safe for most patients. You will be seen by a radiologist if you need to undergo imaging tests to help your sports medicine team diagnose your condition or monitor your treatment progress.
