About the Episode

Miho Tanaka, MD, a sports medicine surgeon, was 11 years old when she knew that she wanted to become a doctor who treats athletes. After a series of athletic injuries led to regular appointments with orthopedic providers, Dr. Tanaka routinely felt there was one thing lacking in her health care experience: a shared passion and motivation for her speedy return to the sports she loved. As a former athlete who understands what it is like to be in her patients’ shoes, Dr. Tanaka believes that the foundation of care, particularly with athletes, is rooted in evidence-based treatment and education to prevent injury before it occurs.  

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Tanaka talks about why she chose sports medicine, pursuing a career in a male-dominated field and the importance of research and education for athletes—particularly for female athletes.

About the Guest

Miho Tanaka, MD, is a sports medicine surgeon and the founding director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Tanaka emphasizes patient education and evidence-based treatment as the foundation of patient care, and performs minimally invasive surgeries of the shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle. Her research is focused on patellofemoral (kneecap) disorders and gender-based differences in orthopedic injuries.  

Dr. Tanaka has served as a team physician for multiple professional, semi-professional and collegiate sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Surge, Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Soccer Federation. 

Prior to coming to Mass General in 2019, Dr. Tanaka was an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and the founding director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Program at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. 

Dr. Tanaka completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University, where she was a member of the varsity track and field team. She earned her medical degree at New York Medical College, and she completed her orthopedic surgery residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MA. After residency, she completed a fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. 

Download and Subscribe

Listen Now

Read full transcript
[TRANSCRIPT HERE]

Related Content

Guest

  • Miho Tanaka, MD, PhD

    • Director, Women's Sports Medicine Program
    • Head Team Physician: New England Revolution; Team Physician: Boston Red Sox, Boston Ballet, Boston Glory
    • Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School

Type

Centers and Departments

Publications

Charged Podcast: Stories from the Women Leading Health Care

Charged is a podcast devoted to uncovering the stories of the women at Mass General who break boundaries and provide exceptional care.

Listen now