Although March Madness has come to an end—with incredible seasons from Duke's men’s and women’s teams that didn’t quite finish as hoped—Duke Orthopaedics found the perfect way to keep the basketball spirit alive: the return of the much-loved Faculty/Staff vs. Trainee Basketball Game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, held on Sunday, April 27th.
This event provided an exciting opportunity for Duke Orthopaedics faculty, staff, and trainees to showcase their basketball skills (or admit their lack thereof), enjoy some friendly competition, and bond in a fun-filled atmosphere. To ensure everyone stayed injury-free, players rotated in 2-minute shifts. Paul Bruning, the new division administrator for sports medicine, officiated the game to ensure it remained fair and entertaining.
What a game! It was a thrilling, action-packed showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams displayed incredible heart, determination, and skill, but in the end, the trainees clinched victory, edging out the faculty with a hard-fought 58-53 win. This matchup had everything: clutch plays, unrelenting drive, and the kind of spirit that makes basketball unforgettable.
The Trainee Team included orthopaedic fellows, physical therapy fellows, athletic fellows, residents, and orthopaedic medical students, captained by Lucy Meyer, MD, PGY-5, and Olivia Blaber, MD, PGY3. The Faculty/Staff Team invited anyone connected to Duke Orthopaedics, including orthopaedic and physical therapy faculty, athletic staff, spouses, operating room staff, clinic personnel, and even industry partners.
The excitement wasn’t limited to the court—festive halftime events brought additional energy to the day. Highlights included the Kids’ Knockout Game, where the next generation of athletes took center stage. Fan awards added even more fun, with the Best Fan Sign, crafted by Kacy Preble, a clinical nurse at Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center, earning well-deserved recognition.
A big shout-out to Dr. Brian Lau, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and associate program director of Sports Medicine Fellowships, for organizing this outstanding event. His dedication united Duke Orthopaedics for a memorable day filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a sense of community spirit. The Faculty/Staff vs. Trainee Basketball Game truly embodied the heart of Duke Orthopaedics—teamwork, joy, and a shared passion for the game.