SAN ANTONIO SPURS ANNOUNCE LEAH BROWN, MD AS NEW LEAD TEAM ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
SAN ANTONIO SPURS ANNOUNCE LEAH BROWN, MD AS NEW LEAD TEAM ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
Brown Brings Advanced Expertise to New Role within UT Health San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (April 30, 2025) – The San Antonio Spurs today announced Leah Brown, MD has joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) to serve as the team’s new lead orthopaedic surgeon. UT Health San Antonio is the official sports medicine partner of the San Antonio Spurs. Brown joins the Spurs expert medical team alongside Guy Nicolette, MD, who serves as the lead sports medicine physician.
Board-certified and fellowship trained, Brown specializes in surgeries of the knee, shoulder and elbow. She was previously with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury as the team’s orthopaedic surgeon. A former collegiate gymnast, Brown brings firsthand athletic experience and specialized orthopaedic expertise to her new role as the official team surgeon for the Spurs. She will play a pivotal role in supporting the team’s medical needs, ensuring players perform at their peak both on and off the court.
"I am thrilled to join UT Health San Antonio and the San Antonio Spurs. As a former athlete and dedicated orthopaedic surgeon, I recognize the importance of listening to patients and taking the time to understand their unique goals and needs —whether they’re professional athletes or adults starting a new fitness routine and experiencing knee pain,” said Brown. “My goal is to deliver the same level of thoughtful, individualized care to every patient I see."
In addition to her work with the Spurs, Brown will provide advanced orthopaedic care to patients at UT Health San Antonio. Brown has a deep understanding of the physical demands faced by athletes of all levels, from professionals to everyday individuals, and the importance of cutting-edge treatment and rehabilitation.
“Dr. Brown brings an elite level of expertise to both the San Antonio Spurs and UT Health San Antonio,” said Robert Quinn, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at UT Health San Antonio. “Her background as a high-level athlete and respected sports medicine professional makes her an exceptional addition to the care team. We are excited to have her onboard as we continue to serve world-class athletes for their orthopaedic care.”
Brown is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving the Bronze Star for her active duty. Brown deployed to Iraq in 2006 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom as director of medical aid station. In 2012, Brown oversaw the orthopaedic department for Special Ops in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
"Dr. Brown's experience in the military along with her advanced expertise in sports medicine will be invaluable as we work together to optimize athletic performance, prevent injuries and ensure the highest standard of care for the players,” said Guy Nicolette, MD, associate professor at UT Health San Antonio and director of sports medicine for the San Antonio Spurs. “Having Dr. Brown on the team is a great win for the Spurs, UT Health San Antonio, and the community."
Brown will also assume the role of clinical associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the university. She will continue to advance the field of sports medicine through research, education and mentorship, contributing to the university’s academic excellence.
"Dr. Brown is an incredible addition to our Player Wellness Team,” said RC Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “She brings a specialized expertise that is sure to elevate the human performance of our players and also our broader San Antonio community. Her commitment to providing thoughtful, individualized care for each patient mirrors our organizational standards of integrity, caring and success. we look forward to the great work she will contribute to our pursuit of medical innovation and improved understandings of human health and performance."
David Schmidt, MD, will formally transition from his role as the Spurs Lead Team Physician to the role of Physician Emeritus status after 30 years of distinguished service for the San Antonio Spurs.
"We want to thank Dr. Schmidt for his dedication to our program and to the elite player care he and his team provided the Spurs throughout his tenure,” continued Buford. “We appreciate the thoughtful approach he's shared in supporting our player wellness transition development for the future.”
About The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is one of the country’s leading health science and research universities. With missions of teaching, research and patient care, its schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health have graduated more than 45,000 alumni who are leading change, advancing their fields and renewing hope for patients and their families throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit UTHealthSA.org. Stay connected with UT Health San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is a value-based and community-centric sports and entertainment company that provides premier live and global digital experiences for fans across a portfolio of three teams and several first-class venues in South Texas – all supported by a staff of more than 1,000 full and part-time employees. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Austin Spurs (NBA G League), and San Antonio FC (USL), as well as manages the day-to-day operations of the Frost Bank Center, The Rock at La Cantera, Toyota Field and Ricos STAR Soccer Complex. The SS&E investor group is led by Managing Partner Peter J. Holt.
