Dr. John Neidecker, DO, ATC, FAOASM, is a Cleveland Clinic-trained physician and a board-certified specialist in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Ringside Medicine. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Dr. Neidecker’s journey into medicine was inspired by his early experiences as an athlete, which sparked a passion for sports medicine. He has spent over 13 years dedicated to advancing athlete safety and optimizing performance across various sports and competitive levels. Today, he is recognized not only as a leader in sports medicine but also as a pioneer in Ringside Medicine—a role that emphasizes the health and protection of combat sports athletes.
Dr. Neidecker began his academic career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from High Point University, a foundation that further inspired him to pursue his Doctor of Osteopathy at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Following medical school, he remained at Rowan University to complete his family practice residency, where he also served as chief resident, demonstrating early his aptitude for leadership and medical expertise. He then went on to complete a prestigious sports medicine fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, gaining experience in managing elite athlete care with professional teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Lake Erie Crushers, and Oberlin College.
His professional career began in southern New Jersey at Cooper Bone & Joint Institute, where he served as team physician for Rutgers-Camden University, Rowan University, and the Philadelphia Wings (Professional Indoor Lacrosse). Through these roles, Dr. Neidecker developed a profound interest in concussion management and injury prevention, particularly in high-impact sports. As a physician deeply committed to advancing knowledge in sports-related injuries, he has become a trusted voice and consultant on concussion protocols, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and rehabilitation.
A defining chapter in Dr. Neidecker’s career is his service with the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP), where he currently serves as Immediate Past President. During his time with ARP, he has held numerous roles, including Certification Chair and Vice President, and served as the lead author of the organization’s Consensus Statement on concussion management in combat sports. His contributions to ARP have made an indelible impact on the standard of care for boxers, kickboxers, and mixed martial artists. He is also known for his coverage at high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, where he works cage-side to provide emergency care to athletes in real-time.
In addition to his contributions in ringside medicine, Dr. Neidecker actively serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. In this role, he mentors and lectures medical students, residents, and sports medicine fellows, sharing his knowledge in sports injuries, orthopedic care, and athlete safety. His dedication to educating future healthcare professionals reflects his commitment to improving athlete care across generations and ensuring that high standards are maintained in sports medicine practice.
At Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina (OrthoNC), where he has practiced since 2015, Dr. Neidecker treats a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and sports-related concussions. He incorporates advanced, evidence-based approaches, such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and platelet-rich plasma therapy, in his treatment plans to optimize outcomes for his patients. As a team physician for the Carolina Mudcats and medical event coverage provider for Wake County high school sports, he is highly involved in the community, promoting safety and recovery for athletes at all levels.
Dr. Neidecker’s passion for sports medicine extends into research and publication. He has authored numerous articles, consensus statements, and studies on topics ranging from knockout injury rates and medical requirements in combat sports to neuroimaging in sports-related concussions. His research has been featured in journals such as The Physician and Sportsmedicine, the Journal of Combat Sports Medicine, and the British Journal of Sports Medicine. These contributions have established Dr. Neidecker as a thought leader in athlete protection and medical care for combat sports.
Dr. Neidecker is also a strong advocate for updated concussion protocols, collaborating with media outlets, including ABC News, to raise awareness about sports-related concussions and rehabilitation. His mission to shorten symptom duration and improve recovery outcomes has been recognized through awards, such as the 2018 Northup Award from the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. He remains engaged in ongoing initiatives to improve concussion management practices.
As a Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine and an active member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, Dr. Neidecker is deeply embedded in the sports medicine community. His contributions as a physician, educator, and advocate continue to shape the future of sports medicine, concussion care, and ringside safety for athletes worldwide.
Character:
Dr. Neidecker is highly dedicated to athlete safety, demonstrating compassion and commitment to advancing the health and protection of athletes in all sports. His integrity and community-focused approach highlight his consistent support for both local and professional athletic communities.
Knowledge:
With dual board certifications and specialized training in ringside medicine, Dr. Neidecker is a recognized expert in sports-related concussions and musculoskeletal injuries. His extensive research and publications showcase his deep expertise in concussion management and evidence-based orthopedic care.
Strategic:
Dr. Neidecker’s leadership in the Association of Ringside Physicians reflects his strategic vision for raising standards in combat sports medicine. Through his initiatives, he has established protocols and consensus statements that prioritize athlete safety and drive best practices in ringside care.
Communication:
As a respected educator and speaker, Dr. Neidecker effectively shares his knowledge with medical professionals, students, and the public. His approachable style and commitment to education make him a trusted voice on sports medicine and concussion care.
