Welcome to a brand-new three-part mini-series on the OrthoZone Podcast, “Team Docs: Inside the Game.” In this kickoff episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Willis, Head Team Physician for the New York Jets, and his colleague and co-host Dr. Stephen Hunt, who also serves as a team physician for the Jets. Together, they dive into the world of sports medicine during preseason, a critical and demanding time of year.

In this episode, we cover preseason physicals, getting players ready to return to the field, the logistics and staffing behind training camp, the full-time demands of being a team physician, Dr. Willis’s journey into sports medicine, insights on joint practices, free agent physicals, and so much more.

Whether you're a die-hard sports fan curious about what goes on behind the scenes, a medical professional, or simply someone interested in the demanding and fascinating world of sports medicine, this series is for you. Stay tuned for future episodes, which will cover a week in the life of Dr. Willis during the season, as well as postseason insights, including the NFL Combine and the NFL Draft. We’re thrilled to bring you this exclusive series just in time for football season.

Make sure to hit subscribe so you're notified as soon as new episodes drop. And don’t forget to share the podcast with friends, family, or anyone who might benefit from expert orthopedic insight. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook @tricountyorthopedics to stay up to date with the latest news and upcoming episodes.

We’re excited to introduce you to our world-class team and look forward to being a trusted source of information and inspiration on your journey to better health.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Tri County Orthopedics. Any medical advice or treatment recommendations discussed should always be reviewed with your own healthcare provider. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Time Stamps:

[0:34] Intro

[1:18] Dr. Willis’s training, how he ended up at Tri County, why sports medicine?, life experiences and mentors

[5:35] Topic introduction

[7:42] Preseason: physicals, evaluations, clearance, rookies & vets

[9:53] Training camp: practices, safety protocols, medical staff

[13:14] Free agent physicals

[15:30] Predicting athletic lifespan

[18:00] What this position has taught Dr. Willis

[19:30] Preseason takeaways, learning experiences, joint practices

[21:00] Outro and next episode reveal