Columbia Orthopedics Names New Team Physicians for Columbia Athletics

The Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) Department of Orthopedic Surgery today announced a new physician leadership team for Columbia Athletics. Thomas S. Bottiglieri, DO, assistant professor of Sports Medicine and chief of Sports Medicine Physicians, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has been appointed Head Team Physician and Charles A. Popkin, MD, associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery, has been appointed to the newly established role of Head Orthopedic Surgeon for Columbia Athletics. Together, the two former Division I student-athletes will provide physician leadership for the comprehensive medical care of Columbia University's 31 varsity athletic programs.

Like the best defensive teams in football, successful sports medicine requires coordination, communication, and trust. Former Division I football players Drs. Bottiglieri and Popkin now bring those same principles to protecting the health, safety, and performance of Columbia's student-athletes.

"Columbia Athletics has a proud tradition of excellence, and protecting the health and well-being of our student-athletes requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach," said William N. Levine, MD, chair of the VP&S Department of Orthopedic Surgery and chief of the Orthopedics Service at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who served as Head Team Physician for Columbia Athletics for 25 years. "Having worked alongside Dr. Bottiglieri and Dr. Popkin for many years, I know the complementary expertise, judgment, and commitment they bring to this responsibility. I am confident they will provide exceptional leadership for Columbia Athletics and outstanding care for our student-athletes."

"Building a team capable of meeting the full spectrum of our student-athletes' needs has always been the mission of our Division of Sports Medicine," said Christopher S. Ahmad, MD, professor, VP&S Department of Orthopedic Surgery and chief of Sports Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "As both a former Columbia student-athlete and orthopedic surgeon, I understand how much athletes depend on coordinated, expert care. With Dr. Bottiglieri and Dr. Popkin serving together in complementary leadership roles, Columbia Athletics has an outstanding physician team in place to support the health, performance, and long-term well-being of every student-athlete."

Leading the Care of Columbia Athletics

As Head Team Physician, Dr. Bottiglieri will direct the medical care of Columbia Athletics, overseeing primary care sports medicine, non-operative sports medicine, concussion management, and the day-to-day medical needs of Columbia's student-athletes. A former Division I football player, Dr. Bottiglieri previously served as Head Team Medical Physician for Columbia Athletics since 2023 and has extensive experience caring for athletes at the collegiate, professional, and high school levels. He currently serves as a Venue Medical Officer for New York City Football Club (MLS) and previously served as Head Team Physician for Alliance University Athletics and the New Jersey Hitmen, in addition to providing medical coverage for Rutgers Athletics and numerous collegiate and high school athletic programs.

As Head Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Popkin will provide orthopedic leadership for Columbia Athletics, directing the surgical management of athletic injuries while partnering closely with Dr. Bottiglieri on injury prevention, return-to-play decision making, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care. A former Division I football player, Dr. Popkin is a nationally recognized sports medicine surgeon specializing in pediatric, adolescent, and collegiate athletes. He has served as Head Team Physician at Fordham University since 2021, is a team physician for USA Hockey, and has extensive experience caring for athletes at the collegiate and international levels.

Supported by a Comprehensive Sports Medicine Team

Drs. Bottiglieri and Popkin are supported by a multidisciplinary team of sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, athletic trainers, and physical therapists dedicated to the health and performance of Columbia's student-athletes.

Morgan Busko, MD, VP&S assistant professor of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, is a sports medicine physician specializing in the non-operative care of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries in adult and pediatric athletes. A former Duke University cross-country and track & field athlete and five-time Hawaii Ironman World Championship competitor, she has a particular interest in endurance athletes, running-related injuries, overuse conditions, and injury prevention, helping athletes safely return to sport and achieve their highest level of performance.

Michael Saulle, MD, VP&S assistant professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine and Medical Director for Sports Medicine, Westchester Division, is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He specializes in the non-operative management of spine and sports injuries, including minimally invasive image-guided procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mani P. Singh, MD, VP&S assistant professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He specializes in comprehensive, evidence-based, non-operative sports medicine and has broad experience caring for NCAA Division I, professional, and Team USA athletes. His clinical expertise includes concussion management, musculoskeletal ultrasound, image-guided procedures, biologic therapies, and injury prevention.

Together, this physician team reflects Columbia Orthopedics' commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated care for every Columbia student-athlete, from injury prevention and on-field evaluation to rehabilitation, return-to-play, and, when necessary, advanced surgical care.

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