James Huizar is an Avanti Sports Medicine Team medical assistant who received his medic training in the United States Navy. He spent five years serving as a corpsman administering emergent medical aid to members of the United States Marines and recruits during his tour of duty.

Talk about on the job training! The aggressive training he received in the Corp was some of the best medical training one could possibly have received outside of attending medical school. The battle field is a place where time matters and quick triage is essential for ensuring successful stabilization of an acute injury and ultimately, the successful transfer of the patient to a medical trauma center for further treatment. During his tour, James’ clinical skills were quickly put to the test. He excelled in many areas, but found that his “calling” was in the management of acute musculoskeletal injures for which there were many.

James had shown athletic prowess in high school in soccer, baseball and football, but fate would have it that he would not be able to pursue his athletic aspirations. James sustained a spinal cord injury while playing football. This injury required him to make drastic changes in his life. However, he touts, that the small tragedy was the greatest turning point in his life and that it ultimately led him to the Navy to serve his country and pursue a medical career. He was able to incorporate his background in athletics and his own personal experience with injury rehabilitation to assist in the management and care of his patients.

James is available as a medical assistant for covering team sporting events. He is CPR and First Aid certified. He is a graduate of Ohlone College and has honorably completed his United States Naval tour of duty. James is currently employed as a medical assistant at Stanford Hospital and Clinics in the Renal Department.

Although we may only be able to imagine what James has experienced on the battle field, the one thing we don’t have to ponder is whether James will be an asset to any sports medicine team.