Posted: Jan. 31, 2012
Phoenix Suns Team Physician, Internal Medicine, Dr. Craig Phelps has been named the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) Physician of the Year for 2010-11. Phelps will officially receive the honor before tonight's Suns game against the Dallas Mavericks, which tips off at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center. NBATA Chairman and Mavericks Head Athletic Trainer Casey Smith will present the award.
Dr. Phelps has been a part of the Suns' medical staff for 26 years and treats illnesses and other non-orthopedic issues. He arranges physicals and lab work and is also the physician for many Suns team employees.
The NBATA Physician of the Year award is an annual honor voted on by the members of the NBATA, designed to recognize a team physician for exceptional service and care for his/her respective team and visiting NBA teams, and also a commitment to service in the community and to NBATA charities.
“Craig has been an integral part of our sports medicine team since the day I began working for the Suns 19 years ago," said Suns Head Athletic Trainer Aaron Nelson, the NBATA's Trainer of the Year in 2009.
"He continually displays the intelligence, compassion, trust, commitment and dedication that an athlete or individual would look for in a physician, and consistently exceeds the expectations of those with whom he works and for whom he cares. His passion for education and staying at the forefront of research in medicine has not only helped our staff in Phoenix but also many of my peers in the NBATA. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor as the NBATA Physician of the Year.”
Suns fans, Bring Your Game Face! The Suns host the Dallas Mavericks tonight, Monday, January 30, at US Airways Center, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. Single game tickets are still available and can be purchased at Suns.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX.