PAC & Forth Episode 15: Dr. Michael Leathers

In this episode of PAC & Forth, we sit down with Dr. Michael Leathers, a second-generation orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician who runs his own practice in Midtown Sacramento. Trained at USC, UCLA, and UCSF, Dr. Leathers also volunteers as team physician for Christian Brothers High School and Sacramento State, bringing independent care from the clinic to the field.

Dr. Leathers shares:

• Why owning his own practice gives him the freedom to choose community work, like covering Sac State games into the early morning.
• How he helps families keep young athletes healthy, from the benefits of multi-sport play to concrete guidance on pitch counts and rest.
• How he takes the emotion out of sideline calls and treats every player like his own kid.
• What falling reimbursement means for independent practices compared to his father’s era, and why he’s still all in.

A look at how independent physicians show up for their communities, on the field and in the clinic.

If you’re interested in learning more about the independent physicians who keep local athletes and families healthy, this is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear why Dr. Leathers hopes he never leaves private practice.