Dr. Celina de Borja Named Medical Director of UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program

August 06, 2025

Dr. Celina de Borja with a student athlete at the 2023 PlaySafe Cardiac Physicals event, the program’s signature annual offering that provides free, comprehensive sports physicals and cardiac screenings to Bay Area high school athletes as part of UCSF’s year-round commitment to youth sports safety. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)

Dr. de Borja brings expert care, sports medicine leadership, and a passion for youth injury prevention to guide UCSF’s community-based program supporting Bay Area student-athletes

SAN FRANCISCO (August 6, 2025) — For thousands of high school athletes across the Bay Area, the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program isn’t just a clinic — it’s a vital lifeline. Offering expert care and injury prevention where young athletes live and play, PlaySafe — as it’s commonly called — has helped countless students stay healthy and safe in their pursuit of sports and dreams.

The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgeryproudly welcomes Dr. Celina de Borja as the new Medical Director of the PlaySafe program, following Dr. Anthony Luke’s remarkable 23-year tenure. Under Dr. Luke’s leadership, PlaySafe grew from a small community outreach to a flagship program known for its care and commitment.

“It’s an honor to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Luke and to uphold the mission of the PlaySafe program. His dedication continues to inspire our work and commitment to safety and excellence,” Dr. de Borja said. “I believe deeply in this work — making sure young athletes in our community have access to quality sports medicine care and injury prevention strategies.”

PlaySafe serves student-athletes year-round with on-site care at the high schools by certified athletic trainers who provide injury prevention programs, and triage referrals to UCSF clinics. Its signature event — the annual PlaySafe Cardiac Physicals — offers free, one-day comprehensive sports physicals each May, including cardiac screenings designed to catch hidden health risks and prevent sudden cardiac death.

“Dr. de Borja is a thoughtful and experienced physician with deep ties to youth athletics,” said Dr. Carlin Senter, Chief of UCSF Primary Care Sports Medicine. “She brings not only clinical expertise, but a passion for mentoring and community engagement that will continue to strengthen and expand the PlaySafe mission.”

Dr. de Borja is a board-certified pediatrician trained in sports medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital Harvard Medical School. She has cared for collegiate athletes and elite youth programs and sees patients at Mission Bay Children’s Hospital and Redwood Shores Orthopaedic Specialty clinic.

“PlaySafe exemplifies UCSF’s commitment to community health and innovation,” said Dr. C. Benjamin Ma, professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “We’re excited for Dr. de Borja to lead the program into its next phase and are deeply grateful to Dr. Luke for his years of leadership.”

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About Dr. Celina De Borja

Dr. Celina de Borja is a board-certified pediatrician with fellowship training in sports medicine. She specializes in caring for children and young adults with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Her clinical interests include sports and dance medicine, injury prevention, and bone health.

Originally from the Philippines, de Borja earned her undergraduate degree from De La Salle University Manila and her medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. She completed her pediatric residency at Hackensack Meridian at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, followed by a sports medicine fellowship through Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital.

During her fellowship, Dr. de Borja served as team physician for Northeastern University women’s athletics and Newton South High School football, as well as consulting physician for Boston Ballet School and Berklee College of Music.

Since joining UCSF in 2019, she has cared for patients at Mission Bay Children’s Hospital and played an active leadership role in the UCSF PlaySafe program. She is also the course director for the popular UCSF Pediatric Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine CME course and provides medical support for numerous Bay Area events, including the San Francisco Marathon.

About UCSF Playsafe Sports Medicine Program

The UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program is a community focused sports medicine outreach program dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare and athletic training services to student-athletes. Rooted in a belief that every athlete deserves expert care, PlaySafe provides comprehensive, compassionate support that promotes safety, performance and well-being. With the goal of being the gold standard in high school sports medicine, PlaySafe empowers young athletes to thrive physically, mentally and personally, through balanced, active lifestyles. This is accomplished through the annual cardiac physicals, priority access to UCSF’s Sports Medicine and Concussion Clinics, and expert onsite athletic training coverage of schools throughout the San Francisco Community.

UCSF PlaySafe Cardiac Physicals

The UCSF Playsafe Sports Medicine Program provides free sports physicals with cardiac screening every spring for high school student-athletes in the Bay Area. This comprehensive exam can find underlying medical and orthopedic abnormalities and can even help prevent sudden cardiac death. Details on the Spring 2026 event will be coming soon.

Participating Schools

San Francisco Unified School District (CIF – SF Section)

Additional Bay Area Schools

g leadership, expert care, and a commitment to youth injury prevention to UCSF’s community sports medicine program