Episode 39: Dr. James Andrews: The Surgeon Who Saved Sports

Dr. James Andrews is the most trusted name in sports medicine—a pioneer in arthroscopic surgery and the “go-to doctor” for the world’s most elite athletes, from Michael Jordan and Roger Clemens to Adrian Peterson and Bo Jackson. Over a legendary five-decade career, he revolutionized orthopedic surgery, co-founded the American Sports Medicine Institute and the Andrews Institute, and mentored over 650 fellows who now carry his legacy forward.

In this episode, Dr. Andrews reflects on what it meant to be the surgeon athletes called when everything was on the line. We dive deep into the mechanics of Tommy John surgery, the evolution of surgical techniques, and why managing recovery expectations is as much about psychology as it is about medicine.

We break down the rising epidemic of overuse injuries in youth sports, the critical role parents and coaches play in prevention, and how pitch selection can directly correlate to injury risk. Dr. Andrews also shares powerful stories about building trust with players in-game, collaborating with medical teams under pressure, and even consulting for the Saudi Arabian royal family.

Dr. James Andrews didn't just fix athletes—he reshaped the future of sports medicine. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, precision, and building a legacy that spans generations.

MEET DR. ANDREWS:

• Pioneer of arthroscopic surgery innovations
• Trusted surgeon for Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, and countless others
• Founder of ASMI and the Andrews Institute—leaders in injury prevention and education

TOPICS:

• Overuse injuries in youth athletes
• The Tommy John recovery process
• The art of managing athlete expectations

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:48 Being the go to Sports Medicine Doctor
• 5:42 SLAP tear future
• 7:20 Managing recovery expectations
• 9:08 In-game injury conversations
• 11:18 Building rapport
• 14:07 Overuse injuries in Youth Sports
• 17:55 Pitch Selection injury correlation
• 20:55 Getting Parents to understand overuse injuries
• 25:28 Tommy John Injuries
• 28:40 Evolution of procedures
• 30:31 Andrews Institute Philosophy
• 40:10 Saudi Arabian Royal Family

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to your specific situation.