Dr. Robert Watkins

Dr Robert G Watkins, III, MD is the pioneer of spine surgery in professional athletes.  This podcast covers the second decade of his life, growing up in the rough streets of Memphis, TN in the fifties.  He got into a lot of trouble, learned many valuable lessons, and made friends for a lifetime. 

Robert Watkins, IV, MD interviews his dad, Robert Watkins, MD, III - about his life, the first decade, lessons learned, the foundations of his personality that have led him to become the most famous spine surgeon of all time.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, discusses lessons learned from 2020: COVID, homeless, racial justice, evolution, relationships.

Reggie Scott, LA Rams Head Athletic Trainer, and Robert Watkins, IV, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon, discuss Neck Injuries in Athletes. Acute trauma, on-the-field assessment, decision-making, return to play, rehabilitation, prevention, and surgery.

Robert Watkins, III and IV, MD, remember Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda: funny stories and the meaning that Tommy had in their lives.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD remembers his professor, mentor, and friend, Lawrence D. Dorr, MD - who was an innovator, author, workhorse, teacher, and humanitarian.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, spine surgeon to professional athletes and creator of the Back Doctor App, discusses lumbar disc herniations in athletes and non-athletes: diagnosis, treatment, avoidance, surgery, recovery, return to sports, and prevention of recurrence.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon to professional athletes and creator of the Back Doctor App, discusses Spine Surgery in Athletes: diagnosis, treatment, nonoperative, rehabilitation, surgery, fusion, artificial disc replacement, microsurgery, return to play...

Robert Watkins, IV, MD interviews Patricia Murray, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist, on COVID-19: testing, virulence, treatment, Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, going back to school, masks, vaccine, and the future!

Robert G. Watkins, IV, MD, discusses systemic racism in America with Philippe Lemoine, MD: history, genetics, slavery, Jim Crow, red lining, GI Bill, crime, police, criminal justice, and more...

Robert G. Watkins, IV, MD, discusses racism in America with Philippe Lemoine, MD: history, genetics, slavery, Jim Crow, red lining, GI Bill, crime, police, criminal justice, and more...

Sue Falsone PT, MS, AT, Co-Owner Structure and Function Education and Robert Watkins, IV, MD, Ortho Spine Surgeon discuss treatment of back pain in athletes, cupping, and evaluation of new techniques.

Sue Falsone PT, MS, AT, Co-Owner Structure and Function Education and Robert Watkins, IV, MD, Ortho Spine Surgeon discuss treatment of back pain in athletes and dry needling versus acupuncture.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD interviews his wife, Michelle Watkins, Certified Hypnotherapist, on Hypnosis: benefits, process, therapeutics, misconceptions, fears, and success stories.

Robert G. Watkins, IV, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon to professional athletes and creator of the Back Doctor App, discusses Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: what is it, when does it work, what are the risks, should you do it?

Robert Watkins, IV, MD shares his experience of Tony Robbins' philosophy, methods, books, and recent course. He discusses the basic human needs: how to identify them and how to change them. Ultimately, how we all can get the most out of life.

Robert Watkins, III & IV, MD, orthopedic spine surgeons to professional athletes, discuss multi-level cervical spine surgery in athletes: risks, return to play, rehab, fusion, artificial disc replacement, foraminotomy, and laminoplasty.

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, debates with Scott Blumenthal, MD, Director of Center for Disc Replacement at Texas Back Institute, about artificial disc replacement vs fusion in the lumbar spine: indications, failures, athletes, success and more!

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, interviews Brandon McDaniel, LA Dodgers Strength and Conditioning Coach and Director of Player Performance: preparation for baseball, cardiovascular exercise, monitoring via app, weight lifting, diet, relaxation, and more!

Robert Watkins, IV, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon to professional athletes and creator of the Back Doctor App, discusses Failed Back Surgery: reasons, diagnosis, workup, treatment, and solutions.