Road to the Orange Bowl is All About Practice and Preparation

When the players step onto the field for the upcoming Capital One Orange Bowl game, they’ll have the keen attention of Baptist Health Orthopedic Care.

As one of the game’s sponsors, Baptist Health is the Orange Bowl’s official medical provider. And that means the same team approach that is the hallmark of Baptist Health Orthopedic Care will be extended to caring for the Orange Bowl’s participants.

Gautam Yagnik, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

The 90^th Orange Bowl game will be played on December 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The stadium is also home to the Miami Dolphins and the Baptist Health Training and Orthopedic Complex.

The college football matchup, one of the longest-running athletic traditions in South Florida, is iconic. Baptist Health has a long record of supporting the game, notes Baptist Health orthopedic surgeon Gautam Yagnik, M.D., who provided orthopedic coverage for the bowl for 12 years and serves as a team physician for the Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers. 

This year’s Orange Bowl will feature Florida State University and the University of Georgia. Georgia was ranked No. 1 for the whole season before losing the SEC championship. Florida State was undefeated this year, but slipped out of consideration for the national championship when the Seminoles’ quarterback was injured.

Thomas San Giovanni, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic surgeon Thomas San Giovanni, M.D., is looking forward to the game. “Since I was a kid, this was my favorite bowl to watch,” he says, noting the game’s historic nature.

Dr. San Giovanni will be joined by Baptist Health sports medicine primary care physician Michael Yurubi, D.O., to serve as team physicians for the University of Georgia. Baptist Health sports physician Alex Mafdali, M.D. and orthopedic surgeon Matthew Motisi, D.O. will be the team physicians for Florida State University. Baptist Health Orthopedic Care athletic trainers are also a key part of the staff, which is being managed behind-the-scenes by Sports Medicine Coordinator Rob Henry.

Michael Yurubi, M.D., sports medicine primary care physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Alex Mafdali, M.D., sports physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Matthew Motisi, D.O., orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Even though the Orange Bowl won’t determine this year’s official national champions, the game promises an exciting contest spurred on by legions of devoted Seminole and Bulldog fans.

For any team participating in a bowl game, the training begins long before the season starts, notes Dr. San Giovanni. “Preparedness is key to anything in life,” he says. “From a physical standpoint, athletes need a balanced training routine of strength, endurance, flexibility, proper nutrition, sleep. Hydration is paramount.”

Mental preparation is also a big part of any successful season, Dr. San Giovanni says, especially when faced with a high-pressure situation like a televised bowl game. “From a mental standpoint, you have to kind of get into whatever's your groove. You have to have a pre-game routine that works for you… something that's going to enhance your focus and fortitude through that game.”

Baptist Health Orthopedic Care physicians and support staff provide sports medicine services for pro athletes including the Miami Dolphins, Miami HEAT, Inter Miami and Florida Panthers, as well as high school and collegiate athletic programs and international sporting events.

Dr. San Giovanni says he is always impressed with the commitment required of elite players.

“It's about discipline and setting up a routine,” Dr. San Giovanni explains. “That's hard for many of us, but I think when you look at the elite athletes, they really have a keen focus. They have talent, of course, but the difference is the discipline.”

 The Baptist Health Training and Orthopedic Complex at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens

Dr. San Giovanni notes there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting ready for a top-level competition. But a fair amount involves strategic preparation to minimize injuries.

“It's personalized from the standpoint of customizing what they need to do. They just have to find that balance,” he says. “You have to practice as you fight, so they have to really be prepared for these type of games.”

Baptist Health’s orthopedic complex is open to patients who want to be treated where the pros go. The entrance can be found at Gate 11 of Hard Rock Stadium, located on NW 27th Avenue between 199th Street and 203rd Street. To make an appointment, please call 786-595-1300 or visit BaptistHealth.net/OrthoComplex.