Ravens Head Team Orthopedist Dr. Leigh Ann Curl has long been one of the best in the business, and now she's been recognized as the top in her field.
Dr. Curl is the 2024 winner of the prestigious Jerry "Hawk" Rhea Award as the NFL team physician of the year, given by the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS). She is recognized for her decades of dedicated service to NFL players.
The honor was presented Wednesday night at the NFLPS Annual Scientific Meeting and Symposium during the NFL Scouting Combine. It is given annually to the NFL team physician who has "made the greatest contributions to both the NFL and the profession of athletic training."
Dr. Curl has been with the Ravens since 1998 and is also the Chief of Orthopedics at MedStar Harbor Hospital. She was previously the president of the NFLPS. As president, Dr. Curl provided direction and support for the physicians and athletic trainers to ensure athletes had the highest standard of medical and surgical care.
"We are all grateful for Dr Curl's dedication and leadership in the medical care of athletes throughout the league," said Dr. James Voos, NFLPS President and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns.
"Dr. Curl, a former collegiate athlete, is no stranger to the important relationship that exists between athletic trainers and physicians. Dr. Curl has not only promoted the profession of athletic training, but has also shown a dedication and recognition to advancing the utilization of the unique skillset that athletic trainers possess," said Bryan "Flea" Engel, President of PFATS and Director of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer for the Green Bay Packers.
"Dr. Curl has impacted the growth and development of athletic trainers at all levels, spending time as a team physician at the collegiate, professional and international ranks. She has also had a profound impact on the development and advancement of sports medicine, the profession of athletic training and PFATS through her work with the Baltimore Ravens, teaching, as well as her research. Personally, she is a trusted colleague and mentor. On behalf of the NFLPS, congratulations to Dr. Curl. Thank you to PFATS for recognizing this outstanding physician."
The Ravens have a tremendous medical staff, and Dr. Curl works closely with Ravens Head Certified Athletic Trainer Adrian Dixon.
"Dr. Curl is unquestionably one of the best orthopedists in the industry. Her attention to detail and analytical approach to providing care is remarkable and impressive," Dixon said. "It gives me great peace of mind knowing I have the best in the business to lean on in providing care for the players. This award is a testament to her consistent reliability and the respect she has garnered in her career. We are all grateful to have her as a Raven."
