
Andrew Rizza, MS, ATC, LAT, PTA
Creator and Host
Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast was created to discuss the ever-changing landscape in healthcare, physical therapy, athletic training and sports science. Each week we will discuss the barriers that healthcare professionals and the consumer face and how we as individuals can collaborate to make the listeners better understand the industry for a better patient and athlete experience.

Camron Roth, MD, MSH
Co- Host
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon
OrthoArizona
Dr Roth is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and upper extremity surgery. He completed his Orthopaedic surgical residency at the University of Chicago, as well as additional fellowship subspeciality training in upper extremity surgery at Harvard and an international fellowship in complex shoulder reconstruction in Bern, Switzerland. He is a peer-reviewer for The Journal of Hand Surgery and also serves as a consultant to the MLB’s Chicago White Sox.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
🎙️ Episode 30: Pioneering Performance – A Conversation with Sports Scientist Michael Cianciosi
In this episode of Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast, host Andrew Rizza sits down with Michael Cianciosi, a seasoned sports scientist whose career spans both Australia and the United States. Michael shares his journey through prominent roles with the Carlton Football Club, Catapult Sports, Boston Red Sox, and most recently with Manager, Athlete Management System (Acting) Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)offering a unique perspective on the global evolution of sports science.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports science enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking strategies for performance optimization in today's high-tech world.
Love our content? Show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Stay connected on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, X @ajrsportssci, or visit ajrsportsscience.podbean.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science. Thank you for your continued support! #NATA #BostonRedsox, #catapultsports, #CarltonFBclub #sportsscience #australianInstituteofsport

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Ep. 29 of Behind the Sports Medicine features Dr. J.P. Warner of Mass General discussing the evolution of rotator cuff repairs, failed surgeries, non-op treatments, the Latarjet procedure, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and more.
Athletes, surgeons, and sports med pros—don’t miss this deep dive into shoulder surgery! 💪🩺
Love our content? Show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Stay connected on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, X @ajrsportssci, or visit ajrsportsscience.podbean.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atofmass #OrhtoArizona #Massgeneralshoulderservice #SportsMedicine #ShoulderSurgery #OrthopedicsPodcast #aossm #ajsm

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
The SAFE ACT (House Bill 1171)"Importance of addressing addiction and falls in the elderly population" Tune into Episode 28 with Nikesh Patel PT, DPT, Executive Director of Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI). In this episode, Dr. Nick Patel discusses his journey in physical therapy and advocacy, focusing on the importance of addressing fall risks in the elderly population. He explains the SAFE Act, which aims to incorporate fall risk assessments into annual wellness visits for Medicare beneficiaries, promoting preventative care. The conversation highlights the need for better awareness of physical therapy's role in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient independence, as well as the future directions for advocacy within the profession. In this conversation, Nick and Andrew discuss the challenges faced by outpatient therapy providers, particularly in relation to Medicare payment models and outdated CPT codes. They emphasize the need for reform in the healthcare system to better support low-cost providers who deliver quality care. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among competitors in the healthcare industry and the role of therapists in advocating for change. They also explore the future of physical therapy, focusing on the need for therapists to claim their space in managing musculoskeletal disorders and demonstrating their cost-effectiveness to ensure sustainability in the industry.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, on X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at https://lnkd.in/e_pGn4f8 and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #SAFEACT #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atofmass #APTQI Cameron Roth OrthoArizona

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
"Athletic Trainers Advocating for Better Pay, Better Jobs and Professional Recognition" Episode 27 with Stephen Panteleakos, MS, LAT, ATC, a seasoned athletic trainer and the visionary behind Modern Movement Solutions. Their conversation delves into various aspects of the athletic training profession, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of its current state and future prospects.
The episode explores the evolving landscape of athletic training, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that professionals in the field face. Steve and Andrew discuss the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and the role of continuing education in ensuring that athletic trainers remain competitive and effective in their roles.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, on X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at ajrsportsscience.podbean.com and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atofmass #NWATA #Athletictrainingmonth

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
"The Future of Athletic Training" Tune into Episode 26 of The Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast on March 24th with Matthew Smitley an athletic trainer and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky. They discuss the evolving landscape of athletic training, including the future of education, the importance of quality clinical experiences, the challenges of job vacancies, and the need for athletic trainers to effectively communicate their value to secure better compensation. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation and advocacy in the profession. In this conversation, Matthew Smitley and Andrew Rizza discuss the evolving role of athletic trainers, emphasizing the importance of recognition, dual credentialing, and advocacy within the profession. They explore the challenges faced by entry-level practitioners, the significance of effective communication in defining the role of athletic trainers, and the ongoing debate surrounding advanced degrees in athletic training. The discussion highlights the need for continuous education and the potential for athletic trainers to become key players in the healthcare system.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at https://lnkd.in/e_pGn4f8 and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atom #universityofkentucky #universityofkentuckywildcats #universityofkentuckyathletics

Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
“I'm Representing HONDURAS in the Olympics!”Episode 25 of Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast with Honduras Olympian @july.c.avila Julimar Avila. In this episode of the Behind the Sports Medicine podcast, Andrew interviews Julimar Avila, a semi-finalist at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and a swimmer for Honduras. Julimar shares her journey from starting swimming at a young age to competing at the highest levels, including the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, the importance of support from coaches and family, and her experiences at the Olympics. She discusses the sacrifices made for her sport, the role of team dynamics, and the significance of mental and physical health in her training. In this conversation, Julimar Avila shares her journey as an Olympic swimmer, discussing the challenges of imposter syndrome, the evolution of her training from college to the Olympics, and the importance of dryland training and yoga. She reflects on the life lessons learned from competitive sports, the motivation provided by her family, and her growth and resilience throughout her career. Julimar also shares personal insights, including her unique name and love for reading, emphasizing the importance of balance in life.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, on X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at ajrsportsscience.podbean.com and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atom #Hondurasswimming #tokyoolympics #parisolympics #olympicswimming #BUswimming #redtideswimming

Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
"How Modern Spine Treatment Changes Lives Across Generations" Tune into Episode 24 of the Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast with Dr. Jessica Aidlen @draidlenspinesurgery, an orthopedic spine surgeon, shares her journey into medicine, the importance of holistic patient care, and the advancements in surgical techniques, including disc replacement. She emphasizes the significance of understanding patient needs and the role of injections in pain management, while also discussing the challenges faced by women in the field of orthopedics. Dr Aidlen discusses various aspects of pain management, particularly focusing on injections, the safety and procedure involved, advancements in spinal surgery technology, the critical role of physical therapy in recovery, the importance of mentorship in the medical field, and balancing professional life with personal interests. Jess emphasizes the individualized approach to patient care and the significance of building relationships with patients to ensure better outcomes.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, on X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at ajrsportsscience.podbean.com and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atom #draidlenspinesurgery

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
"UF Alum Conquers English Channel and RAISES $250,000 for Ukraine!" Tune into Episode 23 with University of Florida Alumni Swimmer @jackblyzinskyj Jack Blyzinskyj. In this episode, Andrew interviews Jack Blyzinskyj, a former elite swimmer who shares his journey from a small-town high school athlete to competing at the University of Florida and internationally. Jack discusses the importance of sports medicine, recovery, and mental preparation in achieving athletic success. He reflects on his Olympic aspirations, the challenges of transitioning out of competitive swimming, and his recent swim across the English Channel to raise funds for Ukraine. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the role of athletic trainers, and the impact of elite athletics on personal development.
If you find our content engaging, please show your support by liking, commenting, and sharing it on social media. Access all our episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @behind_sports_med_podcast, on X @ajrsportssci, or by visiting our websites at ajrsportsscience.podbean.com and AJRsportsscience.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @ajr_sports_science for upcoming episodes. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for our next episode. #NATA, #APTA, #ATIPT, #athletictraining #sportsscience #orthopedics #atom #UFswimming #usaswimming #meterbymeter.co.uk