In a rare and candid interview, Dr. Tobi Owotomo, the senior team physician for the Oklahoma City Thunder, shared powerful insights into her journey through medicine and her experience working at the highest levels of professional sports.
Dr. Owotomo, who has been with the Thunder organization for several years, described her path to the NBA as one marked by resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to athlete care.
> “Working in professional sports isn’t just about treating injuries — it’s about understanding performance, pressure, and psychology,” Dr. Owotomo said. “You’re not just a doctor; you’re a partner in an athlete’s entire well-being.”
### From Residency to the NBA
Dr. Owotomo detailed how her background in sports medicine, combined with rigorous clinical training, eventually led her to the NBA — a dream she hadn’t always envisioned but grew into over time. After completing her residency and fellowship training with top institutions, she quickly built a reputation for both clinical expertise and empathy, leading to her recruitment by the Thunder’s medical team.
> “I didn’t come into this thinking I’d end up courtside at NBA games. But when the opportunity came, I saw it as a chance to not only grow professionally, but to also represent something bigger — especially as a woman of color in sports medicine.”
### A Unique Role in the Organization
As the senior team doctor, Dr. Owotomo oversees the medical care of all Thunder players, working closely with the team’s trainers, coaches, and performance staff. She emphasized the complexity of the role, which often includes late nights, high-pressure decisions, and building trust with elite athletes.
> “People see us on game nights, but what they don’t see are the early mornings, the rehab sessions, the diagnostics, and the behind-the-scenes conversations,” she explained. “You have to earn the trust of these athletes — and maintain it.”
### Advocating for Diversity and Mentorship
Dr. Owotomo also spoke about the importance of mentorship and representation in the sports medicine field, noting the lack of diversity at the highest levels. She has become a vocal advocate for increasing access and support for underrepresented groups in both medicine and sports science.
> “It’s not lost on me that young women, especially Black and minority women, may see me in this role and believe that they can do it too,” she said. “I take that responsibility seriously.”
### Looking Ahead
When asked about the future, Dr. Owotomo expressed her excitement for the Thunder’s young roster, the growth of sports science in the league, and her continued mission to deliver world-class care while inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.
> “Every season brings new challenges, but also new opportunities,” she said with a smile. “As long as I’m learning, growing, and helping athletes perform at their best, I’m exactly where I need to be.”
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