Dr. Bram Newman on the Role and Impact of Sports Medicine at Burke

We recently spoke with Dr. Bram Newman, FAAPMR, CAQSM, DipABLM, to learn more about his team’s collaborative, whole-person approach to care, his role in growing Burke’s national reputation as a leader in Sports Medicine, and vision for the future of the Sports Medicine program at Burke.

Burke is well known as an award-winning, nationwide leader in rehabilitation for high acuity injuries and illnesses. How does the Sports Medicine program at Burke set itself apart as a leader in the field?

The Burke Sports Medicine program delivers advanced, personalized care for patients across all ages and abilities, from high-performance varsity athletes to active adults. We diagnose and treat a variety of athletic injuries including joint, soft tissue, and nerve issues. Our team of experts takes a whole-person approach to patient care, which focuses on maximizing recovery and performance.

I was attracted to Burke by its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitative care, which aligns with my philosophy in Sports Medicine. As a Sports Medicine Physiatrist, I work with my team to combine expertise in diagnostic and treatment skills with the functional, patient-centered focus of physical therapy. We work closely with patients to ensure they receive the highest quality of care by aligning their physician-guided workups and treatment plans with physical therapy. At our Outpatient Physician Practice, our team offers advanced care in Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine including diagnostic ultrasound, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, PRP, and hydrodissection, which we can consider when needed to support patients of all ages to live healthy, athletic lifestyles.

What sets the Burke Sports Medicine program apart is the same as what sets Burke apart across disciplines and care environments – every patient closely collaborates with their doctors, therapists, and entire care teams in one-on-one settings to maximize their recovery. Our patient-centered approach empowers every patient to achieve their goals and sustain high levels of function and vitality across their lifespan.

What is your role in growing the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Burke?

As Director, I have expanded our educational offerings through the growth of the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Burke. The program has three core areas of focus.

First, we focus on training fellows to become excellent providers and future leaders in the field of sports medicine. I mentor two physiatry fellows each year through the program’s comprehensive 12-month curriculum that includes monthly grand rounds with renowned specialists, weekly didactics lectures, Journal Club, hands-on musculoskeletal ultrasound training, and support for clinical research and quality improvement projects.

Community involvement is another element that strengthens our fellows’ experience. Fellows have the opportunity to work with affiliated partners like Albert Einstein College of Medicine and White Plains Hospital. Additionally, our fellows support sideline medical coverage for high school, college, and professional sports teams; for example, we recently entered a multi-year collaboration with Archbishop Stepinac High School, where we will oversee coordinated care for student-athletes, empowering them to excel both on and off the field. Our fellows also contribute to our adaptive sports program. This connection to the community allows fellows to serve as a link between Burke and athletes of all ages and abilities, enhancing outreach efforts and promoting injury prevention and wellness.

Finally, our fellows play a crucial role in educating the next generation of leading physical and medical rehabilitation and sports medicine providers. They work closely with residents, sharing knowledge and clinical expertise, supporting their growth, and fostering a culture of learning. This teaching pillar helps build a sustainable legacy of excellence within Burke and beyond. Through these three core pillars, our Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Burke allows our fellows to refine their clinical skills and expand Burke’s national reputation.

What's your vision for the Sports Medicine program now that you've been with Burke for almost a year?

Looking ahead, my vision for our Sports Medicine program is to strengthen its impact through engagement in national conferences, community partnerships, and involvement with local athletes and teams. Our fellows and faculty are actively involved with these efforts at a local, regional, and national level. Each year, we attend the annual American Medical Society for Sports Medicine meeting, where we showcase our fellowship program and highlight Burke’s excellence. We also learn and collaborate with our peers nationwide and across the Hudson Valley, ensuring we continue to provide the latest and greatest care at Burke for our patients and the local community. Our commitment to fostering nationwide and community relationships will ensure that Burke remains at the forefront of Sports Medicine for years to come.