When it comes to sports medicine expertise, look no further than Doctor Bowers at the Emory Sports Medicine Center. Robert Bowers, DO, PhD, is not just a physician; he’s a dedicated athlete advocate with a profound understanding of sports-related injuries, stemming from his own experiences as a Division 1 college baseball player. His unique background, combined with extensive education and specialized training, positions Doctor Bowers as a leading figure in sports medicine, particularly for baseball and throwing athletes.
Originally from Atlanta, Doctor Bowers built his athletic and academic foundation at Woodward Academy before heading to Furman University in South Carolina. There, he excelled as a Division 1 baseball player while pursuing his passion for health and exercise science. His academic journey continued at Auburn University, where he earned a Master of Education degree in exercise science and a PhD in kinesiology/exercise physiology. This rigorous academic path provided Doctor Bowers with a comprehensive understanding of the human body in motion, setting the stage for his future medical career.
Driven by a desire to directly impact athletes’ well-being, Doctor Bowers obtained his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Campus. He then completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Emory University School of Medicine, where his leadership potential was recognized as chief resident. Further solidifying his specialization, Doctor Bowers completed a sports medicine fellowship at Emory, immersing himself in the intricacies of athletic injuries and treatments.
Today, Doctor Bowers holds the esteemed position of Director of the Emory Baseball Medicine Program. This program, under his guidance, is dedicated to the comprehensive care of baseball players and throwing athletes. It focuses on treating injuries, implementing preventative strategies, and optimizing athletic performance. His personal experience as a former Division 1 athlete gives Doctor Bowers an unparalleled empathy and insight into the challenges faced by his patients. This perspective, coupled with his vast expertise, makes him the trusted team physician for prominent organizations including the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Tech baseball team, the College Park Skyhawks (G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks), and Woodward Academy.
Beyond his clinical practice, Doctor Bowers is committed to educating the next generation of medical professionals. As an assistant professor within both the Department of Orthopaedics and the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory, he actively teaches medical students, residents, and fellows. His clinical interests are deeply rooted in baseball medicine and the treatment of throwing athletes, sports-related musculoskeletal injuries, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures, and innovative orthobiologics. Doctor Bowers’s research endeavors mirror his clinical passions, focusing on baseball medicine, including nerve injuries and thoracic outlet syndrome in throwing athletes, as well as the evidence-based application of orthobiologics.
Outside of his demanding professional life, Doctor Bowers cherishes time spent with his wife and three children. He is an enthusiastic sports fan and shares his children’s love for Disney. Maintaining an active lifestyle himself, Doctor Bowers enjoys weight training, rowing, and cycling, embodying the principles of health and wellness he advocates for his patients. For athletes seeking a knowledgeable, experienced, and empathetic sports medicine physician, Doctor Bowers at Emory Sports Medicine Center stands ready to provide exceptional care.
