On the Sidelines: My Journey Working Events & On-Field Care

When I was in college, I knew I wanted a career in medicine. I had been an athlete my entire life, but I was fortunate—I never dealt with major injuries. I never had to visit the athletic trainer, see an orthopedic doctor, or spend time in physical therapy. I was one of the lucky ones who made it through sports mostly unscathed.

When it came time to choose a path, athletic training and physical therapy didn’t quite click for me. Chiropractic care did. And once I discovered that I could specialize in sports chiropractic, I knew I had found my lane.

Over the past 10 years, that decision has led me to some incredible opportunities working at events, games, and competitions. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from my journey on the sidelines.

Starting Small: Local Track & Field Events

Some of my earliest experiences came at local high school track and field meets. At the time, I was mainly there to promote the practice I worked at, but occasionally I stepped in for minor injury management. I was cautious back then—I didn’t have the certifications yet, and I wasn’t there in an athletic trainer role. Still, those events gave me a taste of what it meant to provide care in the middle of the action.

Breaking Into Professional Sports

As my career grew and I earned specialized certifications, my confidence grew with it. I began working Major League Soccer games as a sports chiropractor and soft tissue specialist. My role was to see players before, during, and after games—addressing muscular or joint issues as they happened. It was an incredible feeling knowing that when something came up on game day, I was the one the athletes trusted to help get them back out there.

The Nitro Circus: High-Flying Chaos

One of the wildest opportunities I’ve had came with the Nitro Circus. Imagine the X-Games mixed with the MTV show Jackass—that’s Nitro Circus. These athletes, from BMX riders to motocross daredevils, perform jaw-dropping stunts off massive ramps, flipping and twisting 30+ feet in the air.

My job was to be part of the medical team: treating athletes before, during, and after the show, and standing by for any emergencies. At one event, I was positioned right next to the landing zone for motocross riders. My heart pounded every time a rider launched into the air. Thankfully, that night went smoothly—but at another show, I had to help tape and anchor an athlete’s shoulder that was nearly out of its socket so he could finish performing. These athletes are fearless, but also some of the most humble and welcoming people I’ve ever worked with.

Marathons: Boston & New York City

If Nitro Circus was the most adrenaline-fueled event, the Boston Marathon was the most inspiring. At the time I first attended, only two or three chiropractors were selected to work the event each year. That number has since grown, but it’s still an incredibly selective honor.

The energy of Boston on race day is unlike anything else. The athletes, the crowd, the city—it’s an unforgettable experience. I’ve now had the privilege of working two Boston Marathons, and it’s something I plan to continue every year.

In 2024, I was also selected as one of only two chiropractors to work the New York City Marathon. Another world-class event, another chance to provide care to some of the toughest endurance athletes on the planet.

Other Unique Experiences

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to be part of so many different events, big and small. Women’s Roller Derby. Local baseball and soccer matches. Even the Fistball National Championships—a European sport similar to volleyball but played on grass. At that event, I served as the on-field sports provider, handling everything from chiropractic adjustments to soft tissue treatment to athletic taping.

Why I Love Event Work

Event and on-field care isn’t for everyone. It can be stressful, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. You’re dealing with high-pressure situations, limited resources, and athletes who are counting on you in real time.

But for me? It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. There’s nothing like being in the middle of the action, helping athletes push through challenges, and being part of their performance journey.

I’ll continue to seek out opportunities to work these events, and I encourage any athlete, team, or event organizer in need of sports medicine support to reach out. These experiences have shaped me as a clinician—and they remind me why I chose this path in the first place.

Thanks for reading, and thank you to all the athletes, trainers, and medical teams I’ve had the privilege of working alongside over the years.