With all of the upsets, injuries, celebrations, and missed calls of NCAA March Madness, there is one thing that’s for certain: the sports medicine providers who spend their time caring for and cheering on the athletes are the real MVPs.

The University of Louisville School of Medicine proudly highlights Jennifer Daily, M.D., a distinguished sports medicine physician and faculty member in the Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Daily discovered her passion for sports medicine during her residency in family medicine, inspired by the transformative impact sports medicine physicians had on their patients. She pursued a fellowship in sports medicine, becoming an expert in caring for athletes.  

Currently, Dr. Daily serves as a Co-Course Director for longitudinal, preclinical courses taken by all first- and second- year medical students. She collaborates with fellow physicians to create a curriculum emphasizing humanism and patient-centered care, integrating trauma-informed perspectives to foster empathy among future healthcare providers.  

Beyond academia, Dr. Daily serves as the Head Team Physician for University of Louisville Athletics, Chief Medical Officer for Racing Louisville Football, and Team Physician for Louisville City Football Club. Her expertise extends to advising athletes on injury prevention through proper gear and strengthening exercises. Dr. Daily also champions the broader benefits of physical activity for mental and physical health, advocating for its role in stress reduction, improved sleep, and overall community well-being.

In light of Women’s History Month coinciding with March Madness, Dr. Daily reflects on her journey and the challenges faced by female physicians in leadership roles. She encourages aspiring women to pursue their dreams boldly, despite existing disparities in sports medicine and medical leadership roles. While medical school entrance statistics show that more females are enrolling in medical school than males, there are still a disproportionate number of female sports medicine physicians and even fewer female program directors for sports medicine fellowships. Dr. Daily, however, has proven that no obstacle is too insurmountable and hopes to pass this message along to all the women she works with, including her fellows, residents, medical students, and patients.

Looking ahead to National Doctor’s Day on March 30, Dr. Daily shared, “As we celebrate National Doctor’s Day, I reflect on my journey to becoming a physician, including the ups and downs, and all the amazing people I’ve worked with along the way. I’m humbled and honored to have the privilege to care for my patients and for them to trust me in their care, and I’m proud of myself for being where I am today.” She went on to express her admiration for her peers, adding, “I celebrate all of the amazing physicians I work with, and I hope they know how valued they are for their service to our community and our patients.”

ULSOM applauds Dr. Daily and her sports medicine team for their invaluable contributions to medical education and healthcare, whether in the classroom, clinical space, or on the sidelines. As March Madness comes to a close and a new season of sports begins, remember to thank the sports medicine providers who keep your favorite athletes healthy and safe.

Happy National Doctor’s Day and Women’s History Month to all from ULSOM!