Dr. Neil Kumar of Brandon Orthopedic Associates and Winston Lightbody of EVO Athletics

On November 9, we’re joined by Dr. Neil Kumar, sports medicine surgeon at the Brandon Orthopedic Associates and Winston Lightbody, Jr., head athletic trainer at EVO Athletics.

Dr. Neil Kumar, Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Neil Kumar is a Valrico native who recently joined Brandon Orthopedic Associates as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic procedures. Dr. Kumar is a graduate of Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his orthopedic residency training at Drexel and was elected chief resident and an American Orthopaedic Association Emerging Leader. Dr. Kumar completed a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Connecticut/Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, one of the nation’s top institutions for adult and pediatric sports medicine.

Dr. Kumar has numerous publications in the areas of knee, shoulder, and elbow surgery. He has presented at several regional and national conferences and reviews scientific articles for the American Journal of Sports Medicine. He is currently a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Kumar specializes in adult and pediatric sports medicine, with expertise in knee ligament reconstruction, meniscus injuries, shoulder labrum tears and dislocation, and rotator cuff repair using minimally invasive techniques. He has a particular interest the treatment of young athletes, with proficiency in cartilage restoration, patella (kneecap) dislocation, and ACL surgery in children with open growth plates. Dr. Kumar is committed to the practice of evidence-based medicine so his patients can return to their active lifestyles as quickly and as safely as possible.

Winston Lightbody Jr., MA, LAT, ATC

Winston Lightbody, Jr. was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Athletic Training.

While studying at UCF, Winston gained valuable experience as an Athletic Training Student for two Orlando high schools and NCAA Division 1 UCF Athletics covering a wide range of sports. Additionally, while at UCF, he provided musculoskeletal evaluations and athletic training services at the Kennedy Space Center.

After graduating from UCF, Winston pursued his Master’s Degree attending Central Michigan University where he was an Athletic Training Graduate Assistant. At CMU, Winston taught health classes, worked in clinics and provided Athletic Training Services for Intramural Sports and University Club Sports. He earned his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology in May 2018. Following his Master’s degree, he has moved back to the Tampa Bay area to join CORA Physical Therapy as its new Head Athletic Trainer for EVO Athletics.