May 16, 2024
The New York Empire of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) have extended the team’s partnership with Rothman Orthopaedics through the 2024 season. A global leader in high quality, compassionate, and affordable musculoskeletal care, Rothman Orthopaedics has been a partner of the two-time defending UFA Champion Empire since 2021. This season, the team has also named Dr. Willy Gonzalez, D.O., as Head Team Physician.
“The Empire strive to be the best on and off the field, and Rothman Orthopaedics embodies that mission for our team,” said owner and president Barbara Stevens. “They have been an incredible advocate for ultimate frisbee, and have ensured that both our players and our fans have convenient access to care for all orthopedic needs.”
Rothman Orthopaedics is also official partners with the UFA’s Philadelphia Phoenix, and currently serve as team physicians for the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Orlando Magic, Trenton Thunder, Big East Conference and more than 60 colleges and universities. Serving patients in Greater New York, Greater Philadelphia and Central Florida, Rothman strives to be the global standard for the provision of musculoskeletal care by achieving excellence in patient outcomes, research, teaching, and innovative healthcare technology. The Empire will feature the Rothman Partner Fast Scheduling program on the team’s website, which allows patients to receive an expedited appointment with a Rothman specialist.
“Rothman Orthopaedics is proud to renew its partnership with one of the premier teams in the sport of ultimate,” said Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics. “We are excited to continue offering specialized orthopedic care to each member of the Empire roster, staff and fan base.”
Empire defender Robert Elston recently tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 2023 and Rothman specialists–like Dr. Gonzalez–worked to ensure a full recovery and extend his UFA career.
“I am so proud to make meaningful improvements to the lives of professional athletes and all our community members every single day,” said Dr. Gonzalez. “As the Empire’s new team physician, my goal is helping the team prevent injuries and rehabilitate players as quickly and safely as possible.”
Dr. Gonzalez is a board certified, fellowship trained sports medicine physician. He obtained his Doctor of Osteopathy from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and followed with a residency in Family Medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network Family Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez followed with a fellowship in Non-Operative Sports Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. During this time, he served as Assistant Team Physician for high school, collegiate and professional teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and Villanova University. He also participated and cared for MLB (Major League Baseball) prospects during the 2021 International Combine. Learn more about Dr. Gonzalez and Rothman Orthopaedics at rothmanortho.com.
The Empire and Rothman Orthopaedics are also collaborating in Rothman's Fast Scheduler Program, where members of the community are able to have the same-level of fast access and care.
The New York Empire set a UFA record in 2024, winning 31 consecutive games. The team is also looking to win three straight UFA Championships (2022, 2023) and fourth overall (2019). Purchase game tickets and find more details on the Empire at watchufa.com/empire.
