Head of Justin Sports Medicine Team & PBR Medicine Team.
Tandy Freeman, MD, has never ridden a bronc or bull, but his presence at numerous rodeos every year is essential. As medical director of the Justin Sportsmedicine Team, he makes sure competitors stay healthy and are treated promptly for the inevitable injuries that occur in the sport.
Freeman completed his undergraduate work at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and received his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. It was during his residency in Dallas that he met J. Pat Evans, MD, who co-founded the Justin Sportsmedicine program in 1981. Evans was the team physician for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1989, and the Dallas Mavericks from 1980 to 1992, and saw the need for organized care for rodeo cowboys. They developed a lasting friendship, and Freeman was the logical choice to take over the program when Evans retired.
Taking care of rodeo contestants—whose livelihoods are not supported by million-dollar contracts and endorsements, and whose paychecks depend on their ability to compete— offers different challenges than those faced at most medical practices. But Freeman enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with athletes, not only treating their injuries but also teaching them to better care for themselves.