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What Is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness, the prevention of sports-related injuries, and the treatment of sports-related injuries and conditions. At Aptiva Health, our Sports Medicine department is comprised of fellowship trained sports medicine family medicine physicians and fellowship trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeons. Together, our Sports Medicine team employs advanced non-surgical, regenerative, and surgical techniques that helps prevent and treat sports-related injuries and conditions when they occur.


Sports Medicine Department

At Aptiva Health, our Sports Medicine Department is comprised of fellowship trained sports orthopedic surgeons, fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeons, fellowship trained sports medicine family practice physicians, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Our Sports Medicine department is founded upon cutting edge techniques and treatments to ensure each athlete receives optimal care and is fit to return to full participation in their desired sporting activity as quickly and safely as possible. Our team is comprised of former college athletes and physicians that have worked with Division-I, professional, and recreational athletes.




Sports Medicine Team

Steve Smith, md

After attending Western Kentucky University, where played baseball, he graduated from the University of Kentucky Medical School. He completed his orthopedic training at the University of Rochester in New York, renowned for its Orthopedic Surgical program.  He then furthered his skills at the world famous Kerlan Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, California and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine.  While in Los Angeles, he served on the medical staff for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, Anaheim Ducks, as well as many other professional, collegiate, and high school programs.  

Sambhu Choudhury, md

Dr. Choudhury specializes in sports orthopedics, pediatric orthopedics, total joint replacements, and is a pioneer in regenerative orthopedic medicine. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery. He completed a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. He completed his internship and orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. 

Robert Williams, MD

robert williams, md

Dr. Williams board certified in Emergency Medicine. He graduated from University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2012 before completing his residency training in Emergency Medicine at University of Oklahoma in 2015. Dr. Williams has been in practice for more than five years and is ImPACT certified in diagnosing and treating concussions.

lisa manderino, ph.d.

Dr. Lisa Manderino is a fellowship trained Neuropsychologist. She completed her fellowship training at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where she focused on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Jonathan Preszler, ph.d.

Jonathan Preszler is a native of North and South Dakota. He graduated from the University of North Dakota and completed his postgraduate education at Washington State University and Children's Minnesota, specializing in neuropsychology. He subsequently completed a two year fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where his primary clinical and research work was in their concussion program.

MICHAEL GILBERT, PA-C

Michael Gilbert has been a general orthopedic and orthopedic spine physician assistant for more than 25 years. He specializes in treating non-operative general orthopedic and orthopedic spine conditions and injuries.

MOLLY ROBERSON, PA-C

Molly Roberson is a physician assistant who has worked the past five years as a surgical assistant, specifically, in orthopedics. Molly joined Aptiva Health in 2023. She works directly with Dr. Steve Smith in the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic departments where she treats athletes of all ages and general orthopedic patient needs. She excels at Aptiva Health by bringing her caring and supportive patient care approach to our team!

Simon Hoehn, DPT

Simon is a native of Mount Vernon, Indiana where he was a three-sport athlete and Lily Scholar. Simon went on to attend Wabash College, where he played football. Simon has worked with Division I athletes at Purdue University and has spent the last seven years teaching and working with patients on injury prevention, neuro-restorative rehabilitation, and post-operative physical therapy.

jared simpson, pt, dpt

Jared is a graduate of Bellarmine University and he comes to Aptiva with a strong background in vestibular therapy. He will be leading our Sports & Concussion Rehab department and is working closely with our Neuropsychologist and Athletic Trainer to assist with ‘Return to Play’ for local athletes, especially those who suffer from Concussion and Sports Related Injuries.

aurelio puga, lat, atc

Aurelio is originally from San Diego, CA and earned his BA Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Louisville, and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training form Spalding University.  His most recent experience was with Lou City FC as the assistant to the head athletic trainer.

Adam Fletcher, PT, DPT

ADAM FLETCHER, DPT

Adam is a former collegiate wrestler and is an avid climber and recreational athlete. Adam focuses on sports-related injuries and brings his own athletic background to help efficiently diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Adam is certified in dry needling and specializes in manual therapy and hands-on techniques.

THOMAS HINKEBEIN, PT, DPT

Tommy is a graduate of Bellarmine University and former collegiate soccer player who joins Aptiva with a strong passion for sports and orthopedic physical therapy.  He will be working out of our Middletown location in partnership with MPower6 gym treating local athletes and active populations by identifying and treating movement dysfunction and helping them to achieve their performance goals.


Sports Medicine: Patient Reviews

Thank you Dr. Hardin for everything and more. Thanks for getting me back to me @ 95%. Now I’m better than before!!! Best doc ever; wish he was permanently my doc.
The sports medicine team is great! Always accommodating and kind, plus professional. I will recommend everyone to this group. Thanks for the help and compassion.
Dr. Hardin rocks!
More than amazing! The staff, professionalism, equipment, building, and knowledge is far from anything I ever received. I would recommend this place to anyone with an injury.

Questions? Call us today!
1-844-999-3627