Luga Podesta, MD.

Dr. Podesta is a dual board-certified, non-surgical orthopedic sports medicine physician and internationally recognized pioneer in the field of Regenerative Sports Medicine. A distinguished clinician, educator, author, researcher, and consultant, he is widely regarded as a leading authority in interventional orthopedic procedures, orthobiologics, and cell-based therapies for the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, knee, and spine.

Dr. Podesta brings extensive experience as a team physician and consultant to elite professional and collegiate sports organizations, as well as to the music, performing arts, and entertainment industries. He is a highly sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, presenting on topics including regenerative orthopedics, orthobiologics, cell-based therapies, injury prevention, throwing injuries, and the on-field diagnosis and emergency management of musculoskeletal conditions.
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Dr. Podesta earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wagner College and his Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and New York Medical College. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in New York City, followed by two post-doctoral Sports Medicine fellowships—first at the Staten Island Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship and subsequently at the world-renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California. He holds dual board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Primary Care Sports Medicine.
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Dr. Podesta holds faculty appointments as Assistant Clinical Professor of PM&R and Sports Medicine at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences. He is an active member of numerous distinguished professional societies, including the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the International Cartilage Regeneration Society, the Biologics Association, the American Academy/Association of Orthopedic Medicine and the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation.
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Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Podesta has served as medical director and/or team physician for numerous elite sports organizations, including the Los Angeles Dodgers (1990–2006), Los Angeles Angels (2010–2013), XFL World Champion LA Xtreme (2001), the Los Angeles Avengers (2002–2008) and LA Kiss (2014–2015) of the Arena Football League, the Los Angeles Riptide of Major League Lacrosse (2006–2008), and the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. He has also served as a training camp consultant for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, and as an on-site physician for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Baseball Umpires, and the World Baseball Classic. From its inception through closing, Dr. Podesta served as Performance Medicine Director for the Los Angeles–based Cirque du Soleil production Iris (2010–2013). He has additionally provided team physician services to several NCAA Division I institutions, including Loyola Marymount University, Saint Mary’s College, and Oxnard College.