Director, UC Davis Health Sports Medicine; Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr. Brandee L. Waite, M.D. is a distinguished leader in sports medicine and a professor at UC Davis Health’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As the Director of UC Davis Health Sports Medicine, Dr. Waite is dedicated to improving the movement and reducing the joint pain of her patients—whether they are elite athletes or daily enthusiasts seeking comfort in their active lives.

Dr. Waite’s clinical expertise focuses on the non-surgical treatment of joint, muscle, and nerve problems, helping individuals enhance their performance in sports and everyday activities. She employs personalized therapeutic exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and advanced injection techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Among her patients are professional athletes from leagues and national teams, as well as “weekend warriors” striving to overcome physical limitations to achieve their personal activity goals.

In addition to her clinical roles, Dr. Waite actively participates in sports medicine at various levels, serving as the official team physician for Sacramento Republic FC, UC Davis collegiate sports, and American Sky College. Her past roles include being a physician for the U.S. national track and field team and the Sacramento Ballet, as well as overseeing medical care at major marathons and ultra-marathons worldwide.

A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Waite has contributed extensively to our understanding of musculoskeletal medicine, focusing on innovative treatments for knee osteoarthritis and preventive medicine. Her leadership extends into academic medicine, where she directs the Sports Medicine Fellowship at UC Davis and advocates for preventive medicine in medical education.

Dr. Waite’s commitment to health, well-being, and superior patient outcomes makes her a pivotal figure in both the local and global sports medicine communities.