Sports Medicine Doctor Applies Lessons From Playing Career
Bahrom Firozgary, MD, used to play college basketball
Bahrom Firozgary, MD, used to play college basketball
Bahrom Firozgary, MD, has loved sports for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Houston watching and playing a number of different sports, but as his height climbed to 6-foot-9, he says basketball chose him.
He went on to play Division I basketball at Rice University but ultimately put b-ball on the back burner to pursue a career in medicine. However, the lessons he learned — teamwork, perseverance, discipline, resilience — would benefit him far into the future.
“I stuck to basketball, and I ended up enjoying it — not only was I good at it, but it helped me get to where I am today,” he says.
Dr. Firozgary today is a sports medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. He plays just for fun these days and uses what he learned over the years to treat patients of all activity levels and age groups with new or old musculoskeletal injuries.
Motion is medicine
Dr. Firozgary advocates that motion is medicine and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to help his patients reach their health and fitness goals.
“I think it’s important when athletes are seeking treatment, they have a provider who knows what it’s like because then we can have a more realistic conversation,” he says. “Empathy is crucial, so I stress to my patients that I’m willing to hear them out, to treat more than their injury and help them get back to the activities they enjoy.”
“Motion is medicine, not just for the body, but for the brain. Studies consistently show if you’re active, that helps your mind and your mood long-term as well,” he says.
Treating patients from head to toe
In his practice, Dr. Firozgary sees a lot of overuse injuries, as well as acute injuries that stem from trying a new movement or some uncontrollable variable and may require long-term orthopedic care.
He can relate to many of his patients, as he’s experienced his fair share of injuries during his playing days and emphasizes that he treats patients from head to toe, no matter their sport of choice. He’s seen everyone from casual hikers to avid golfers, and even a competitor in the Highland Games.
Team approach to sports medicine
Dr. Firozgary says he can’t do his job alone. He sees himself, his colleagues and his patients as a team.
“We’re a unit and we use all the resources that we have. Whether I’m a point guard and running a play that’s working or I’m passing the patient’s care to someone else, it’s a team setting,” he says.
Dr. Firozgary also applies his “motion is medicine” philosophy to himself. He stays active by working out with his wife at the local YMCA, walking their two dogs and shooting some occasional hoops with friends.
“By incorporating physical activity into my relationships, I’ve found a way to be social and feel balanced even when work gets busy,” he says.
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.