Sports Medicine - Team Physicians/Consultants - Montclair State University Athletics

Overview

History

AT Education Program

Sports Medicine Facility Dedication

Staff / Contacts

Team Physicians/Consultants

Physical Therapy Consultants

Student-Athlete Resources

Pre-Participation Requirements

Visiting Team Info

Emergency Action Plan

Our Montclair State University Sports Medicine Team comprises of medical experts including; sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, full time athletic training staff, per-diem athletic trainers, podiatrists, hand specialists, and various other medical practitioners.

Dr. Casey M. Pierce, M.D. – Team Orthopedic Surgeon

Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon – Montclair State University
Affiliation: Academy Orthopedics
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy

Dr. Casey Pierce is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained specialist in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He serves as the Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for Montclair State University, offering expert care in the surgical and non-surgical management of sports injuries. His clinical focus includes conditions of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, with an emphasis on minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures.

Dr. Pierce completed his sports medicine fellowship at the renowned American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, AL, where he trained under legendary orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. During this time, he provided care for athletes from the University of Alabama (football), Samford University, the WWE, the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox AA affiliate), and the Birmingham Ballet.

He is also certified in robotic-assisted joint replacement using the Mako™ robotic system and treats both adult and pediatric populations.

Areas of Specialization:

Arthroscopic Surgery (Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, Knee)
Cartilage Restoration
Ligament & Tendon Repair
Sports Hernia Surgery
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
Non-Operative Sports Injury Management

Team Coverage Experience:

Montclair State University (Head Team Physician)
WWE
University of Alabama Football
Birmingham Barons (AA – White Sox)
Samford University
Birmingham Ballet
Sussex Miners Professional Baseball
Shades Valley High School

Practice Locations: Wayne & Clifton, NJ

Visit Academy Orthopedics – Dr. Casey Pierce

Dr. David T. Rodriguez, M.D. - Primary Care Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Team Physician – Montclair State University
Affiliation: Academy Orthopedics
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Family Medicine

Dr. David T. Rodriguez is a dual board-certified physician in Sports Medicine and Family Medicine with a strong focus on injury prevention, concussion management, and non-surgical orthopedic care. He serves as the Primary Care Sports Medicine Team Physician for Montclair State University and is dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals recover and perform at their best.

He completed his fellowship in Sports Medicine at Case Western Reserve University’s University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute in Cleveland, OH, gaining advanced training in musculoskeletal medicine, ultrasound-guided procedures, and the management of acute and chronic athletic injuries.

During his residency at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, he served as Chief Resident, and has since worked with numerous athletic teams, including:

NFL’s Cleveland Browns
AHL’s Cleveland Monsters (affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets)
Case Western Reserve University
Lake Erie College
Kent State University

Dr. Rodriguez is also certified in ACLS, PALS, and BLS, and is an active member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Specialties Include:

Concussion Diagnosis & Management
Non-Operative Orthopedic Care
Adult & Pediatric Sports Medicine
Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Practice Locations: Wayne & Clifton, NJ

Visit Academy Orthopedics – Dr. David Rodriguez

Additional Academy Orthopedics Specialists
	Alongside Drs. Pierce and Rodriguez, Montclair State University proudly collaborates with a team of distinguished specialists from Academy Orthopedics, each offering highly specialized care in their respective fields: Dr. Anthony Festa, M.D. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon focused on joint replacement and complex reconstructive surgery of the hip and knee. He is known for using minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques to maximize recovery and mobility. Dr. Anthony Scillia, M.D. A leader in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Scillia has deep expertise in treating shoulder and knee injuries in high-level athletes, emphasizing comprehensive rehab and return-to-sport protocols. Dr. John Callaghan, M.D. Specializes in orthopedic trauma and fracture care, particularly in complex and high-impact injuries. Dr. Callaghan provides advanced surgical solutions for musculoskeletal trauma patients. Dr. Craig Wright, M.D. Focused on spine surgery and non-operative spinal care, offering a range of treatments from minimally invasive procedures to full surgical interventions for back and neck conditions. Dr. Peter Goljan, M.D. A specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery, including care for nerve injuries, arthritis, and sports-related hand conditions. He brings a precision-focused approach to restoring function and mobility. Explore their full profiles and specialties here: Academy Orthopedics Specialists
Dr. Andrew A. Brief, M.D., FAAOS - Consulting Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
	Specialty: Foot & Ankle Reconstruction (Adult & Pediatric) Dr. Andrew Brief is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise in adult and pediatric foot and ankle reconstruction. He consults with Montclair State Athletics on a variety of sports-related foot and ankle injuries, bringing cutting-edge surgical innovations and non-operative treatment options to our student-athletes. Areas of Specialization Include: Sports Injuries Fractures & Trauma Running & Dance Injuries Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis Ankle Replacement & Arthroscopy Bunion & Toe Correction Flatfoot Reconstruction Osteochondral Lesions (OCLs) Cartilage Restoration Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) & Stem Cell Treatments Cartiva & InCore Lapidus Implants Non-unions & Revision Surgery Plantar Plate Repair Practice Locations: Ridgewood and Mahwah, NJ More About Dr. Andrew Brief

Dr. Andrew McGinniss, M.D. - Consulting Orthopedic Hand Surgeon

Dr. Andrew McGinniss is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in the treatment of hand injuries and nerve conditions affecting the upper extremity. He consults with Montclair State University Athletics to provide care for student-athletes with acute hand trauma, overuse injuries, and nerve compressions.

He offers advanced, patient-centered treatment strategies—both surgical and non-surgical—to support a full and efficient return to sport.

Common Conditions Treated:
·       Hand fractures and dislocations
·       Ligament and tendon injuries
·       Nerve compressions (carpal/cubital tunnel)
·       Dislocations and instability
·       Overuse injuries
·       Arthritic conditions
·       Sports-related trauma

Practice Locations: Wayne & Clifton, NJ

More About Dr. Andrew McGinniss

University Spine Center

Consultants for Back & Spine Injuries

For Montclair State University student-athletes, we consult with University Spine Center to provide expert care for back and spine injuries. Their experienced team of board-certified spine surgeons and specialists offers advanced treatments—ranging from minimally invasive procedures to comprehensive nonsurgical options—to help athletes recover safely and return to peak performance.

Their expertise covers a wide range of spinal conditions, ensuring personalized care designed to support the unique needs of student-athletes.

Practice Locations: Wayne, NJ

More About University Spine Center

Jason Schepis, D.M.D.

Consulting Board-Certified Dentist

Dr. Jason Schepis is a board-certified general and sports dentist with extensive experience in treating dental injuries, performing mouthguard fittings, and supporting oral health care for athletes.

He consults with Montclair State University Athletics to provide expert care for dental trauma, jaw injuries, and preventive dentistry. His approach emphasizes comfort, education, and performance-ready dental protection.

Common Services and Conditions Treated:

Mouthguard fabrication and fitting
Tooth fractures, chips, and avulsions
Jaw injuries and occlusion issues
Gum trauma and lacerations
Emergency dental stabilization
Esthetic dental repair and restorations

Dr. Schepis has served as an official dental provider for the New York Giants, New Jersey Devils, New York Red Bulls, and Seton Hall Pirates.

Practice Location: Rochelle Park, NJ

More About Dr. Jason Schepis

NJ Ortho Bracing

Consultant: Gianfranco Palangio, LAT, ATC
Founder & Clinical Director
Location: Nutley, NJ

NJ Ortho Bracing has been a trusted bracing partner in orthopedic and sports medicine since 1994. Gianfranco Palangio, LAT, ATC, leads the practice and consults with Montclair State University Athletics to provide custom bracing solutions for student-athletes recovering from injuries or surgery.
They specialize in fitting braces that support mobility, prevent reinjury, and stabilize injured joints to promote safe athletic participation.

Bracing Applications Include:

Knee (ACL, MCL, patellar, post-op)
Ankle and foot (sprains, fractures, Achilles support)
Shoulder and elbow bracing
Wrist and thumb stabilization
Back supports for spine injuries
Custom and off-the-shelf solutions

Brands Offered: DonJoy, Aircast, Procare, Breg, Ossur, Ovation

More About NJ Ortho Bracing

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Sports Medicine - Team Physicians/Consultants