In college, Jennifer Gaitley, MD, was injured playing volleyball. This experience helped her better understand the mix of pain and endurance athletes encounter on the path to healing. "The road back to playing can sometimes be long and difficult," said Dr. Gaitley, who is board certified in pediatrics and sports medicine. "My own experience gives me a better understanding of the different emotions children can feel when they are injured and the dedication required to return to their sport or activity."

Dr. Gaitley specializes in musculoskeletal injuries, concussion care, stress fractures and issues that impact female athletes. Her goal is to help children and adolescents prevent and recover from injuries so they can get back to the activities they love. "That activity may be an organized sport, but it may also be riding bikes with friends, playing an instrument or playing at recess," said Dr. Gaitley, who holds memberships with the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. "I want to help these children and teenagers become healthy and active adults."

After earning her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Dr. Gaitley completed a pediatric residency and primary care sports medicine fellowship at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. She has been a team physician for high schools and colleges and provided medical coverage for the Cleveland marathon, the Cleveland triathlon and statewide youth soccer tournaments. "Children are resilient, funny, insightful and surprising," Dr. Gaitley said. "Each child or adolescent has their own interests and goals, and I feel privileged to help them return to these activities. Additionally, the people at Phoenix Children's are open, welcoming and excited about the work they're doing. They are dedicated to the families in the community and region, and I'm honored to be part of this team."

When she's not at work, Dr. Gaitley enjoys hiking with her husband, reading, practicing yoga and eating ice cream.