Primary care sports medicine specialist Rhonda Watkins, MD, MPH, at left, performs a musculoskeletal exam on Balboa High School student, Roman Tome Pierce. Student-athletes received free cardiac screenings and sports physicals during the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program’s annual spring event on May 3, 2025, at the UCSF Orthopaedic Institute at Mission Bay in San Francisco. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025— On May 3, the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery hosted the 2025 PlaySafe Cardiac Physicals, a one-day event providing free heart screenings and sports physicals for high school athletes across the Bay Area.
More than 350 students gathered at the UCSF Orthopaedic Institute at Mission Bay for comprehensive health evaluations aimed at uncovering hidden risks — especially those related to sudden cardiac arrest. The program, led by the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine team in partnership with UCSF Cardiology and local community groups, reflects a growing commitment to keeping young athletes safe on and off the field.
“Our mission is to keep young athletes safe and active,” said Dr. Anthony Luke, director of the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program. “This event offers a chance to identify potential health concerns early and educate students and their families about injury prevention and heart health.”
Beyond screening, PlaySafe serves as a critical connection between youth sports and preventive care, encouraging lifelong wellness through early detection and tailored guidance.
Explore the moments captured during this important event, as student-athletes, physicians, and volunteers come together to support safe sports participation.
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PlaySafe Cardiac volunteers gather before the event on the second-floor lobby of the UCSF Orthopaedic Institute. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
From left, Kosuke Nakasuka, MD, PhD, Gina Biviano, MA, ATC, and Anthony Luke, MD, MPH check in with different stations before student-athletes arrive. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
Volunteers run through the final checklist at the visual exam station before student-athletes arrive. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
From left, UCSF Cardiology staff, Albert Liu, MD; Kosuke Nakasuka, MD, PhD, and Clifton Watt, MD, run through the final checklist at the cardiac exam station before student-athletes arrive. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
Nursing students from various Bay Area programs are ready to welcome student-athletes at the vitals station. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
Student-athletes, Eloise Egan, at left, and Tilly Pendleton start the process with health questionnaires and vitals. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
UCSF primary care sports medicine specialist Nicolas Hatamiya, DO, performs a primary care exam on student-athlete, Eloise Egan. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
UCSF sports medicine physician assistants Amber Dhillon, MS, PA-C, at left, and Evar Saelee, MS, PA-C, help with primary care exams. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Evar Saelee)
UCSF orthopaedic surgeon Michael Davies, MD, performs a musculoskeletal exam on a student-athlete. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
UCSF pathologist, Henry Sánchez, MD, returns every year to educate student-athletes on the harms of substance abuse. He showcases the difference between healthy and damaged tissues. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
Balboa student-athlete Roman Tome Pierce and UCSF athletic trainer Alyssa Boldt, MS, ATC celebrate after completion of his cardiac physical exam in preparation for football season. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
UCSF athletic trainer Elise Hammond, ATC, and long-time volunteer Jackie Hammond wrap up another Cardiac Physicals event. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hardy Wilson)
UCSF clinicians gather to kick off the 2025 PlaySafe Cardiac Physicals. Pictured from left: Nicolas Hatamiya, DO, Rhonda Watkins, MD, MPH, Lisa Pascual, MD, Anthony Luke, MD, MPH, Camille Guzel, MD, Gina Biviano, MA, ATC, Michael Davies, MD, Kyla Petrie, MD, Drew Lansdown, MD, Jamie Confino, MD, Andrew Gatto, DO, and Edgar Garcia-Lopez, MD.
