The 2025 William E. Garrett, Jr., MD, PhD, Sports Medicine Research Day launched with an inspiring Grand Rounds presentation by visiting professor Dr. Matthew T. Provencher, MD, CAPT MC USNR (Ret.)—a nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeon, military leader, and former head team physician for the New England Patriots.
In his talk, titled “Lessons in Leading Elite Orthopaedists: From the Navy to the Ivies to the Patriots Sidelines,” Dr. Provencher drew from his 27 years of service in the U.S. Navy and his extensive experience in elite sports medicine. He emphasized the importance of servant leadership, teamwork, and humility—principles that have guided him from the operating room to the battlefield to the NFL sidelines.
“Think of others before self,” he said. “In the Navy, we live by: Ship. Shipmate. Self. Mission first—accomplished through people.”
Currently serving as a reservist with SEAL Team 17, Dr. Provencher is also Co-Director of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Chairman of the VailHealth Institutional Review Board, and Team Physician for the U.S. Ski Team. He is a member of the Executive Steering Committee for MOTION, a national initiative aimed at improving musculoskeletal care for military personnel.
During his keynote, Dr. Provencher shared ten leadership lessons that have shaped his career:
- Think of others before self.
- Share the vision. Build a common purpose and empower others to innovate.
- Keep learning. Never stop training.
- Take care of your people.
- Stay situationally aware. Titles don’t matter—everyone contributes to care.
- Respect everyone.
- Appreciate what you have. Recognize the sacrifices made for you.
- Be creative. Inspire others by thinking outside the box.
- Lead with humility. Influence begins with owning your actions.
- When in command, lead. Surround yourself with trusted advisors.
One memorable story involved a request from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during Super Bowl week. Dr. Provencher arranged for the team to visit wounded warriors at Naval Medical Center San Diego—a moment that left a lasting impact on the players and staff.
“That experience still resonates with the team,” he said. “It reminded us all of the power of perspective and purpose.”
Dr. Provencher’s message was clear: outstanding leadership is grounded in service, trust, and shared mission. His visit was a powerful start to a day dedicated to advancing sports medicine through research, collaboration, and mentorship.