It wasn’t until he was nearing the end of medical school that Dr. Luis Salazar realized that sports medicine was his calling.
“My brother was an athletic trainer for the Cleveland Indians and that exposed me to a lot in regard to the care provided to professional athletes,” he said. “I saw it as an opportunity to blend science, sports, disease prevention and medicine and take care of all aspects of the athlete and their care.”
Dr. Salazar is board-certified in family medicine and fellowship-trained in primary care sports medicine. He enjoys the intricacies of foot and ankle injuries and his special interests include caring for athletes of all abilities; ultrasound medicine; and the use of biologic treatment options. He also participates in Exercise is Medicine, a global health initiative committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health and is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his sports medicine fellowship at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Dr. Salazar has experience treating NCAA and NAIA collegiate athletes, including his work with Division I athletes at the University of Kansas as part of Kansas Team Health. He enjoys engaging in teaching future physicians part of the faculty for the Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas Health System.
“My practice is pretty vast,” he said. “I take care of anybody who moves, not only athletes at all competitive levels from elementary to collegiate and Olympic level and professional, I’ve had experience in all aspects across a lot of age groups.”
What advice does Dr. Salazar have for his patients?
“Patients need to be their own advocates and demand the care that they need. They need to push us as physicians to not be stagnant. It’s not the physician’s way, it’s what the best care for them as a patient is,” he said. “We need to listen to them, value their time and offer options, but we also need to be truthful and up front. Find the care that you need. If it’s not me, that’s fine but we need to demand the most that we can.”
My patients will have options and be at the center of all medical decision-making processes. A lot of times we come to the doctor with “what if it’s this, I don’t want to do that.” There are options and we’ll make the best plan. At OrthoKansas, you are supported by a team of highly trained experts throughout your treatment and recovery. Learn more about Dr. Salazar's team. (pdf)
- Luis D Salazar, MD
A range of injection-based treatments to reduce joint pain
Fellowship-trained, board-certified sports medicine physicians at OrthoKansas.
Orthopedic treatment for carpal tunnel, fractures, and hand conditions
University of Kansas School of Medicine
2003
Family Medicine Residency
Ohio State University Medical Center
Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship
Ohio State University Medical Center
Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine
Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, American Board of Family Medicine
He is always, very knowledgeable; Kind; professional; exceptional care! All the staff are outstanding!
Benefitted from exams by both Dr Salazar and Fellowship- Dr. Mayo. Both excellent.
My experience was very productive. I feel secure in the information and schedule of care my dr has scheduled.
Excellent. Explained well to both patient and parent. Parent is answering this survey.
Dr Salazar explains and listens well. He is very kind and knowledgeable
Very pleased with progression of treatment.
He was very nice and explained next steps well. Felt a little rushed.
Very positive. He identified my pain, explained what to expect, prescribed PT, gave me options for future steps, etc. He also identified in the x-ray resulting masses from a procedure not identified in my records with LMH
Great
Stressful