DES PLAINES, Ill., Feb. 09, 2023—Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois, has partnered with Major League Rugby’s newly formed Chicago Hounds team as Midwest regional leader in rugby sports medicine.
A team of IBJI sports medicine experts will support the team’s players at practices and games to optimize performance, providing support to GM and CEO James English and Head Coach Sam Harris. From elite professionals to local clubs and youth sports teams, IBJI sports medicine physicians work to keep players healthy and performing at the top of their game.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to provide care for the new Chicago club,” says Matt Repa, IBJI Director of Sports Medicine. “We have a long history of treating rugby players – from community athletes to Chicagoland international competitors, and the Hounds will receive the same excellence in care from IBJI.”
IBJI has longstanding team partnerships with other rugby clubs to support the goals of athletes of all ages. Partnerships include the Lincoln Park Rugby Football Club, New Trier Rugby Football Club, and the North Shore Rhinos.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership between the Chicago Hounds and IBJI,” says James English, Hounds GM & CEO. “The well-being of our athletes is paramount as we build Chicago’s first professional rugby organization. IBJI’s best-in-class orthopedic and sports medicine program will be an essential part of our success moving forward.”
To serve the Chicago Hounds throughout the rugby season, IBJI will provide sports medicine physicians, a sports neurologist, athletic trainers, and physical therapists.
The IBJI team consists of specialists representing five regions across the Chicagoland area. The following sports medicine physicians and sports neurologist will provide rugby sports medicine care to the Hounds:
Nathan Wetters, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, shoulder, and elbow who sees patients at the IBJI Chicago-Avondale Doctors’ Office and Chicago-Lakeview West Doctors’ Office.
Ronak Patel, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery who practices at the IBJI Hinsdale Doctors’ Office, Munster Doctors’ Office, and Westmont Doctors’ Office.
Andy Riff, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine who practices at the IBJI Downers Grove Doctors’ Office, Hinsdale Doctors’ Office, and Westmont Doctors’ Office.
Angelo Savino, MD, a family medicine physician with fellowship training in primary care sports medicine who practices at IBJI’s Acute Concussion Care-Libertyville and Libertyville Doctors’ Office, Grayslake Doctors’ Office, and Lake Bluff Doctors’ Office.
Anthony Savino, MD, a neurologist with fellowship training in sports neurology and electromyography who practices at IBJI’s Morton Grove Doctors’ Office, Sports Neurology & Concussion Clinic-Chicago-Avondale, and Sports Neurology & Concussion Clinic-Morton Grove.
Eric Lee, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine who practices at IBJI’s Frankfort Doctors’ Office.
For a list of all of our locations, visit our website at ibji.com/locations.
IBJI looks forward to helping the Hounds establish a healthy fan base. Get your tickets and join us to support the team’s inaugural home game Sunday, March 5 at 1 pm at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
About Illinois Bone & Joint Institute
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) is the largest independent physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois. IBJI is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care to your family for every orthopedic specialty with leading-edge technology and innovative treatment options. For more information, please visit ibji.com.