University of Utah Health is pleased to share the appointment of Travis Maak, MD, to the position of president of the National Basketball Association Physicians Association (NBAPA) for the 2024-2025 season.
Maak, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, who currently serves as the Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at U of U Health, brings a wealth of experience and a decade of knowledge to his new position. Throughout his career, he has provided exceptional care to athletes at all levels, from collegiate to professional. His leadership within the medical community, coupled with his passion for sports and health care, makes him an ideal candidate to lead the NBAPA.
"We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Travis Maak on his appointment as President of the NBA Physicians Association," said Darrel Brodke, MD, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at U of U Health. "His dedication to excellence in sports medicine and his commitment to patient care make him exceptionally qualified for this prestigious role. We have no doubt that he will make significant contributions to the NBA and further elevate the standard of health care for professional athletes."
In his role as president, Maak will work collaboratively with the NBA league, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), and NBAPA medical professionals to enhance player performance and prioritize the health and well-being of athletes. He will spearhead initiatives aimed at injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies, ensuring that NBA players receive the highest standard of medical care.
Additionally, Maak will continue to provide care to the Utah Jazz as the team’s orthopedic physician. U of U Health has been providing world-class sports medicine and clinical care to the Utah Jazz as their official health care partner since 2014.
Maak is currently one of the longest tenured physicians with the NBAPA. During his tenure, he has held numerous positions including chairman of its research committee and served on its executive committee as the secretary treasurer and vice president. Maak assumes his new role as NBAPA President with an unparalleled commitment to advancing health care within the professional basketball community.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is being chosen by your peers and respected colleagues to be in a position of making decisions in leadership,” Maak said. “I firmly believe that the concept of leadership is simply trying to do what you think is right and lead by example. I am honored they chose me to speak for them, communicate for them, and lead them.”
Maak graduated from Stanford University and completed his medical school at Yale School of Medicine. He finished his orthopaedic surgery residency and sports medicine fellowship in New York City at the Hospital for Special Surgery. During his fellowship, Maak served as assistant team physician for the New York Giants. Maak joined U of U Health in 2012 as an orthopedic surgeon. He currently serves as director of the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at University of Utah and director of the Sports, Spine, and Musculoskeletal Program at U of U Health. Additionally, he is the executive chairman of the university’s Sports Medicine Oversight Committee and team physician for University of Utah Athletics.
