Academy Sports Medicine Team

Christopher S. Ahmad, MD

Dr. Christopher Ahmad is one of the nation’s premier Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeons, who practices at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Ahmad received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering while playing 4 years of Division 1 soccer at nationally ranked Columbia University. He was named Head Team Physician and Chief Medical Officer for NYCFC when the team first joined Major League Soccer in 2015. His research and dedication related to soccer injuries has been well recognized and has contributed to prevention and optimal surgical treatment of some of the most common soccer injuries, such as ACL tears, meniscal tears, and patellar dislocations. Dr. Ahmad also serves as the Chair of the MLS Team Physicians Education Committee with a mission to educate soccer athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, and parents. In addition to being the NYCFC Team Physician, he serves as the Head Team Physician for the New York Yankees and Rockland Boulders and is the president elect for the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association. His medical team’s singular goal is helping athletes stay healthy, and return to peak performance as quickly and safely as possible when injury does occur.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Ahmad’s experience with elite athletes makes him an expert in treating sport-related injuries. He specializes in:

• Primary Care Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Elbow Injuries
• Advanced minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery
• Biologic treatment-PRP, Stem Cell injections
• Acute musculoskeletal sports injuries
• Care and management of overuse injuries
• Treating both young and mature athletes
• All skill levels, recreational to professional
• Expertise in soccer-specific injuries
• Return to Play Assessments Surgical Interventions

Michelle Spataro, MS, ATC

Physician Extender to Dr. Ahmad
New York City FC Development Academy Athletic Trainer

Michelle Spataro has always had a passion for sports and helping others. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from King’s College in Pennsylvania. At King’s College, she was a 4-year starter of the varsity women’s soccer team. She then continued her studies at Ohio University, where she received a Master’s of Science degree in Athletic Training. During her time at Ohio University, she worked with various sports at different levels. She has conducted research, focusing on concussion evaluation, assessment, and management of sport related concussions. Michelle serves as Dr. Ahmad’s physician extender and as one of the New York City FC development academy athletic trainers. She is a NATA member and a Board Certified Athletic Trainer, holding licenses in New York and New Jersey. Her passion for soccer and the prevention of sports related injuries in youth sports allows her to provide a personalized approach for every patient and athlete.