James R. Andrews, MD

Co-Founder I Retired
James R. Andrews, MD

A Lasting Legacy in Sports Medicine

Over a medical career spanning more than 50 years, Dr. James R. Andrews helped shape modern sports medicine and made Birmingham, Alabama, synonymous with care for some of the biggest names in sports. After establishing his Birmingham practice in 1986, he became a household name among sports fans during the 1990s through his work with athletes such as Drew Brees, Roger Clemens, Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and John Smoltz. His name became a familiar sight on ESPN’s SportsCenter, bringing national attention to his expertise.

By his retirement from treating patients and performing surgeries in December 2023, his influence extended far beyond the athletes he treated. As co-founder of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) and Andrews Institute Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (Gulf Breeze, FL), he built a lasting legacy through patient care, research, injury prevention and the generations of physicians he mentored.

Founding Roles & Sports Medicine Leadership

Dr. James R. Andrews is one of the founding members of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also co-founder of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) a non-profit institute dedicated to injury prevention, education and research in orthopaedic and sports medicine. Doctor Andrews continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and Medical Director of ASMI. Doctor Andrews is also a founding partner and Medical Director of the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

He is President and Chairman of the Board of the Andrews Research and Education Foundation which is dedicated to prevention, education and research at the Andrews Institute. He has mentored more than 314 orthopaedic/sports medicine Fellows and more than 84 primary care sports medicine Fellows who have trained under him through these Sports Medicine Fellowship Programs.

Research, Education & Injury Prevention

Doctor Andrews is internationally known and recognized for his skills as an orthopaedic surgeon as well as his scientific and clinic research contributions in knee, shoulder and elbow injury prevention and treatment. In addition, he has made major presentations around the world, and has authored numerous scientific articles and books. He has recently written a book, Any Given Monday, about sports injuries and how to prevent them for athletes, parents and coaches. The book is based on his life in sports medicine and was released in January 2013 by Simon & Schuster

Education & Fellowship Training

Doctor Andrews graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1963, where he was Southeastern Conference indoor and outdoor pole vault champion. He completed LSU School of Medicine in 1967 and completed his orthopaedic residency at Tulane Medical School in 1972. He had surgical fellowships in sports medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1972 with Doctor Frank McCue, III and at the University of Lyon, Lyon, France in 1972 with the late professor Albert Trillat, M.D., who is known as the Father of European Knee Surgery.

Professional Leadership & Academic Appointments

Doctor Andrews is a member of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is the past President of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and also served on that board as its Treasurer and its Secretary. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Arthroscopy Association of North America as well as the International Knee Society. He is Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical School, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of South Carolina Medical School, Adjunct Professor in The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of South Alabama, and Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, Tulane University School of Medicine. He has been awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree from Livingston University, Doctor of Science Degree from Troy University and a Doctor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University.

Collegiate, Professional & Youth Sports

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Andrews served as medical director and orthopaedic surgeon for Auburn University athletics and as senior orthopaedic consultant for University of Alabama athletes. He also served on the Medical and Safety Advisory Committee for USA Baseball and on the board of Little League International Baseball, Inc.

In professional sports, Dr. Andrews served for many years as senior orthopaedic consultant for the Washington Redskins, now the Washington Commanders; orthopaedic medical director for the Tampa Bay Rays; and medical director for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

He previously served on the Sports Medicine Committee of the United States Olympic Committee and the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.

Board Service & Advisory Roles

He also serves on the Tulane School of Medicine Board of Governors. He has served as a member of Troy University’s Board of Trustees. Doctor Andrews also serves as the National Medical Director for Physiotherapy Associates, a national outpatient rehabilitation provider. He serves on the Board of Directors of Fast Health Corporation and Robins Morton Construction Company.

Honors & Awards

Doctor Andrews was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and was named recipient of their Distinguished Sportsman Award in 1992. In 1996, Doctor Andrews was inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction. He was featured as one of the LSU’s 2007 Southeastern Conference Stories of Character. In 2008, Doctor Andrews received the LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award and was inducted into the State of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and was named recipient of the prestigious Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award. Doctor Andrews is a 2009 recipient of the “Live the Dream” award presented by the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Doctor Andrews was presented the 2009 Distinguished American Award by the Auburn Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College of Hall of Fame. In 2014 he was presented with the Contribution to Amateur Athletics Award by the University of Georgia Hall of Fame Chapter.

Personal Background & Family

A native of Homer, Louisiana, Doctor Andrews has called Birmingham home since 1986. He also resides part-time in Pensacola Beach, Florida. He and his wife Jenelle have six children, Andy, Amy, Archie, Ashley, Amber, Abby and six grandchildren.

Sailing & Personal Interests

Yacht racing is one of Doctor Andrews’ keen interests. His 50-foot racing sloop Abracadabra III, won the 1990 International 50-foot Yacht Association World Cup and was named the best off-shore racing sloop in the last 100 years by Sail Magazine. He has also won many other yacht racing offshore regattas. Doctor Andrews served as President and Chairman of the Board of Aloha Racing Foundation, an American Cup Syndicate based in Honolulu, Hawaii, which challenged for the 2000 America’s Cup contested in Auckland, New Zealand. His other hobbies include golf and hunting.

Dr. Andrews Victory Over Injury Podcast with Dr. Michael K. Ryan

Dr. Andrews in the Media

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Andrews was featured in thousands of news stories. The selections below offer a glimpse into his extraordinary impact on sports medicine and his lasting legacy.

Selected media highlights: