Two distinguished physicians from the University of Florida, Dr. Hernan Prieto and Dr. Alaina Ritter, recently represented UF at the 2025 International Consensus Meeting on Orthopedic Infections (ICM) in Istanbul Türkiye. The ICM is a globally recognized forum for advancing the science and treatment of musculoskeletal infections.
Many high school athletes play multiple sports, but most compete in different seasons, easing the challenge of balancing athletics and academics. That's not the case for Branford High School senior Alex Whitfield.
Whitfield, the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week, is currently juggling both track and softball — and excelling in each.
When Florida became the first state to recognize girls flag football as a competitive sport in 2003, it opened the door for athletes like Bradford High School senior Nichelle Brown to shine.
Now, more than two decades later, Brown is at the forefront of the sport's growth in North Central Florida. This week, she was named the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week after leading the state in receiving yards, touchdowns and total points.
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The University of Florida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine proudly announces that Ryan Roach, MD, MS, has been selected for the highly prestigious Fellows of the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA) fellowship. This national distinction recognizes orthopaedic surgeons who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, scholarship, and service in the field.
The University of Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute proudly announces that Rull James Toussaint, MD, has been awarded the prestigious Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA) designation. This honor recognizes Dr. Toussaint's exceptional contributions to orthopaedic surgery, leadership, and dedication to advancing musculoskeletal health.
There aren't many high school baseball players who can consistently pitch and play the field at a high level. By the time athletes reach high school—and certainly college—they're often asked to choose one path. But Buchholz High School senior JJ Gardner isn't one of those typical players.
Since the age of 5, Trey Meeks has shared a special bond with a close-knit group of baseball teammates — a group that still plays together at Chiefland High School. That bond will soon reach its final chapter, as the Indians head into next week's regional playoffs for what will likely be their last run together on the diamond.
There's a reason why many Major League Baseball managers are former catchers. The position demands leadership, game management and communication — all qualities that make Williston senior Blake Martin this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
"I love being involved in every single play — it's just so much fun having the ball in your hand," Martin said. "It's like being the captain of the field, and when I see someone scuffling, I'm not afraid to get on 'em and tell them what's up."
Emma Mansfield, a standout athlete at PK Yonge, has made a significant mark in both baseball and softball, earning this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honor.
Growing up playing baseball, Mansfield embraced the sport with her older brother and thrived competing against the boys. Her passion for the game led her to continue playing when she reached high school, becoming the first female to pitch at the varsity baseball level at PK Yonge.