My (career) game plan

Wayne Kuhl (’72 MD) combines a love of sports with private practice

Medicine and sports. I have had the unique privilege to combine a private practice in internal medicine and the challenges that come with being a team physician for a National Football League (NFL) team.

I grew up in Dyersville, Iowa, lettered in four sports in high school and was a member of my college’s men’s golf team. However, my participation in sports was sidelined when medical school, internship and residency took top priority. In 1990 I was asked to be the team physician for the Arizona Cardinals. It was with great enthusiasm that I accepted the position. This presented a unique challenge, maintaining a full-time private practice in Phoenix and serving the medical needs of the Arizona Cardinals. During the week I continue to see my patients and occasionally a sick player, and on the weekends I am with the team on the sidelines for all games, home and away.

On the sidelines, one is all too aware of what a physical game football really is. In fact, several years ago my leg was broken (tibial plateau fracture) when a late hit by a Chicago Bears defensive back caused the play to continue onto the sidelines. I, unfortunately, was on the bottom of the pile! It temporarily limited my mobility, but didn’t curb my enthusiasm for my job.

Most people think the football season consists of four preseason and 16 regular-season games, and the rest of the year is free time for players and staff. In fact, as team physician I am actively involved all year long. I attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, assist the coaching staff during the NFL draft, examine all players before mini camp and again before training camp, meet with the players weekly during the season and attend NFL physician meetings. Recently, we met in Chicago to discuss the long-term effects of concussions on players.

This year Arizona will host the Super Bowl for the second time. As the team physician for the city hosting the event, I will again be on the sidelines during the game.

I have been given the opportunity to work with talented rookies and seasoned veterans while at the same time my private practice has been fulfilling and challenging. My medical education has afforded me the opportunity to do what I love and love what I do. From a professional standpoint who could ask for more?