UF Health orthopaedics, new sports medicine physician join forces with Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UF Health Jacksonville is excited to announce orthopaedic surgeon Kevin M. Kaplan, M.D., has joined the UF College of Medicine’s department of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. As a member of the UF Health team, Dr. Kaplan will continue to collaborate with the Jacksonville Jaguars, providing the team with comprehensive sports medicine services.

Kaplan has served as the head team physician for the Jaguars since 2013, overseeing orthopaedic care for athletes and coordinating coverage across training camp, practices, games and year-round operations. This leadership position strengthens UF Health’s growing presence in professional sports medicine and expands the academic health system’s regional impact. Kaplan will also continue to serve the Jacksonville community through his private practice, Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville.

“Establishing a relationship with Dr. Kaplan and the Jacksonville Jaguars is an incredible opportunity for UF Health as we build upon the excellence of our orthopaedics and sports medicine expertise in Northeast Florida,” said Patrick L. Green, FACHE, senior vice president and Northeast Florida regional president for UF Health. “This is another step forward in our ambitious plan to be the leader in orthopaedics and sports medicine in this community, and we will continue to expand our exceptional services to allow people to get back to work, living and playing. We’re excited to have Dr. Kaplan aboard, and to join forces with the Jaguars to be their official health care provider.”

Dr. Kaplan is renowned for his orthopaedic care throughout Northeast Florida, and his relationship with the Jaguars has been crucial to the team’s athletic performance for nearly two decades.

“Caring for athletes of all ages, and helping them reach their full potential, has always been one of my greatest passions,” Kaplan said. “Working with the Jaguars for the last 17 years has been an honor, and I am excited to continue in this role alongside UF Health, one of the region’s most trusted health care assets. My goal is to provide the best possible treatment to every athlete that comes to us for orthopaedic needs.”

Kaplan’s role as head team physician continues his collaboration with the team, where he has been part of the medical staff since 2009. He works closely alongside trainers, physical therapists, performance science experts and strength and conditioning coaches.

“Dr. Kaplan has been an essential member of the Jaguars’ player health and performance team for many years,” said Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli. “His expertise will continue to enhance the standard of care for our players.”

Kaplan brings with him more than a decade of advanced sports medicine and orthopaedic experience, including providing care to professional and collegiate athletes. He is also the head team physician for the Bolles School and works with Jacksonville University and other high schools in the Jacksonville region.

His new role with UF Health will bring his expertise to more patients throughout the First Coast.

“Dr. Kaplan’s expertise in sports medicine and his long-standing work with elite athletes make him an exceptional addition to our orthopaedic team,” said C. Parker Gibbs, M.D., professor and chair of the UF College of Medicine department of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. “This alliance with the Jaguars represents an exciting new opportunity for our department and for UF Health. It strengthens our ability to deliver world-class care to professional athletes and the broader community across Northeast Florida.”

Kaplan earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He graduated summa cum laude with honors from Tulane University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at NYU Langone Health, serving as executive chief resident, followed by fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at the internationally recognized Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. During his fellowship, he supported the head team physician caring for the 2009 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, and served as an assistant team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Sparks, Anaheim Ducks and Loyola Marymount University.