Athletes becoming doctors: Who has made the transition?

While many star athletes are known for excelling in multiple sports, achieving success in business, or pursuing high-profile media careers, a lesser-known yet inspiring path is that of athletes who transition into the medical field after their athletic careers. These individuals not only dedicated themselves to their sports but also to the rigorous training required to enter medicine, bringing the same discipline, resilience, and focus to both pursuits.

Below is a select list of remarkable athletes who have made strides in medicine, applying their drive and expertise to make a difference in healthcare.

Athletes Who Transitioned into the Medical Field

1. Lise Leveille – Olympic Gymnast Turned Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Former Olympic gymnast Lise Leveille completed medical school at the University of British Columbia. In 2014, she pursued a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas.

2. Kevin Draxinger – Olympic Swimmer Turned Physician

• After retiring from swimming, Olympic athlete Kevin Draxinger embarked on a medical career, becoming a doctor dedicated to helping others.

3. Pat Turner – Olympic Rower and Medical Graduate

• Gold medal-winning rower Pat Turner won at the 1984 Summer Olympics before graduating from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine.

4. Pat McGeer – Olympic Basketball Player and Alzheimer’s Researcher

• A former member of Canada’s 1948 Olympic basketball team, Pat McGeer became a leading researcher on Alzheimer’s disease, contributing significantly to our understanding of its causes and prevention.

5. Turlough O’Hare – Olympic Swimmer to Anesthesia Researcher

• Turlough O’Hare, an Olympic swimmer, later pursued medicine and now works in anesthesia research at McMaster University, contributing to advancements in this specialized field.

6. Simon Hoogewerf – Olympian and Medical School Graduate

• A competitor in the 1988 Summer Olympics, Simon Hoogewerf graduated with a medical degree two years earlier, showcasing his dedication to both sports and academics.

7. Hugh Fisher – Gold Medal-Winning Kayaker to Practicing Doctor

• Hugh Fisher, a gold medalist in kayaking, is now a practicing medical doctor at Northlands Medical Clinic in British Columbia.

8. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif – NFL Star and Doctor

• Current Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif graduated from McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine in 2018, balancing a career in professional football with his medical aspirations.

9. Randy Gregg – Olympic Ice Hockey Player and Physician

• Between graduating from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and completing his last year of residency, Randy Gregg represented Canada in ice hockey at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics.

10. Myron Rolle – NFL Safety Turned Neurosurgeon

• Inspired by concerns over concussions in the NFL, former Tennessee Titans safety Myron Rolle pursued a neurosurgery residency at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

 Athletes Making a Difference Beyond Medicine

 Not all athletes pursue medical degrees, but many have found impactful ways to support their communities, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few inspiring examples of athletes who stepped up to make a difference:

• Zion Williamson (NBA) covered salaries for staff at Smoothie King Center, home to the New Orleans Pelicans.
• Kevin Love (NBA) donated $100,000 to support the staff at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
• JJ Watt (NFL) and his wife, Kealia Ohai (Chicago Red Stars), donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank.
• Russell Wilson (NFL) and Ciara donated one million meals in Seattle.
• Drew Brees (NFL) pledged $5 million to support Louisiana communities.
• Maia Shibutani (Olympic figure skater) launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide PPE for healthcare workers.
• Rafael Nadal (Tennis) called on fellow Spanish athletes to raise $20 million.
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) financed hospitals in Portugal, joining the fight against COVID-19.

These examples demonstrate the broad impact athletes can have, not only by transitioning into medical careers but also by leveraging their platforms and resources to support public health and humanitarian causes.

Interested in learning more? Click here to explore why athletes excel in the medical profession and the unique qualities they bring to healthcare.