Dr. Kevin Elder with BayCare Medical Group Adult and Pediatric Sports Medicine is known to many in the Tampa Bay area for his clinical expertise and wealth of experience collaborating with and caring for elite athletes. Along with treating local patients, he also has made a name for himself as one the top sports doctors in the nation, working with some of the country’s most prominent teams, including the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT).
Dr. Elder’s path to becoming a team physician for the USMNT was not something that happened overnight. After completing his sports medicine fellowship, he covered high school and collegiate sports, working on local events and races to build his experience and reputation. Dr. Elder’s big break came when he was invited to an interview for the role of team physician with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. After consulting with the team for a year, he officially became their team physician from 2009 to 2014. His time with the Buccaneers laid the groundwork for his later work with the U.S. Ski Team and USMNT.
“Being an NFL team physician was a key experience in helping open doors to opportunities with U.S. Soccer,” Dr. Elder explains. “My role with the ski team and U.S. Soccer evolved over time, and I’m incredibly honored to now serve as one of the physicians for the U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Dr. Elder.
Whether it is a friendly match or a major tournament, Dr. Elder’s contributions to the team’s success go far beyond the sidelines, ensuring that the players are always ready for the next big challenge.
Recently, he had the opportunity to work with the USMNT during their international friendlies, including the recent match against Venezuela. A typical day at a training camp for the USMNT is long, demanding, and very much of a team effort. Dr. Elder’s day begins with breakfast with the team at around 7 a.m., followed by treatments before training begins. After breakfast, the team travels together to the training grounds. Throughout the day, Dr. Elder remains on-site, providing immediate care to players during practice, assisting with hydration and helping address injuries or soreness.
“If there’s a need for imaging, I’m involved in coordinating that as well, which might mean taking a player to get an MRI or discussing the results with the medical team,” said Dr. Elder.
While the days can be long, typically ending after 9 p.m., Dr. Elder highlights the camaraderie among the team.
“The culture of the staff is unmatched. Everyone is excellent at what they do, and it is a privilege to work with such a talented group,” said Dr. Elder. One of Dr. Elder’s primary responsibilities is to help players recover from any injuries they have suffered, but equally important is preventing injuries from occurring in the first place. The team’s high-performance staff tracks player metrics, soreness and fatigue levels, to anticipate potential injuries and manage workloads.
“In every camp, we hold daily meetings to discuss any injuries or issues that are actively present. We also consider the upcoming training and match schedule to adjust the players’ workloads as needed,” Dr. Elder explains. “My role is to ensure that the medical team is aligned with the coaching staff and that the players are in peak physical condition heading into the match.”
Whether it is a minor injury or a more significant issue, Dr. Elder plays a critical role in helping the coaching staff make informed decisions about player readiness. He also coordinates with the players’ professional clubs to ensure continuity of care.
During the recent friendly match against Venezuela, Dr. Elder and the medical team faced the typical challenges of managing players’ health and ensuring they were match-fit. From pre-match assessments to dealing with any injuries that arose during the game, the focus was on maintaining player health while preparing for upcoming qualifiers.
“In a friendly match, the goal is to keep the players in optimal shape without overexerting them,” says Dr. Elder. “If a player has an ongoing issue, we make sure the high-performance and coaching staff are aware of it, so they can strategize accordingly. It is all about balance and communication.”
Beyond the professional accolades, Dr. Elder values his role with the USMNT.
“Besides the honor of serving our country as one of five doctors in the country covering the U.S. Men's National Team, the culture of the staff is unmatched compared to anything else I've done in my career,” said Dr. Elder. “The most enjoyable part of working with the team is the culture of excellence. Everyone brings their best every day, from the coaching staff to the players and the medical team. It is truly a team environment, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Dr. Elder also serves as the team physician for the U.S. Ski Team and a consulting team physician for USF Athletics, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Prep and Berkeley Preparatory School.
For more information: BayCare Medical Group
