Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children

Highlights

  • Family Medicine & Sport Medicine
  • Los Angeles Chargers Team Doc
  • South Bay Youth & Professional Sports
  • Super Doctors SoCal 2025 

Dr. Joshua Goldman is the associate director for Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s Center for Sports Medicine. He is a health science associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and team physician for the LA Chargers, UCLA football and beach volleyball, and the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center. He specializes in medical and musculoskeletal care for athletes.

Why should families choose Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children?

We have an incredible team of sports medicine physicians who take care of professional and collegiate athletes as well as youth athletes from across Los Angeles. As such, we are able to translate our work in elite teams to our local communities.  

How has your practice adapted to the ways children’s interests shifted over the years?

In the South Bay, youth sports are life! We’ve seen a big shift in this industry over the past decade. Youth sports used to be very casual, community-based activities. Now, youth sports have become increasingly competitive, with many athletes training year-round in a single sport, participating in travel or club activities, and spending a significant amount of time outside of team activities training for their sport.

What do you wish more adults understood about what kids truly value?

I worry that we have, to some extent, lost our understanding of the main reason kids should participate in sports. A very small subset of the entire population goes on to become a professional athlete (less than 1%). I think we should remind ourselves of the true goal of youth sports: physical and social literacy, not winning or pursuing a career in professional athletics.

How does your practice shape the community’s “village” for raising kids?

We are strong supporters of youth physical activity through community fitness and sports organizations. I think every kid should have access to youth sports, and we do our best to keep kids in the game despite the injuries that are an expected part of participation.

In what way does your practice encourage kids to embrace strong values?

As a sports medicine physician, I’m a strong supporter of youth physical activity of any kind. Organized sports are a great way to learn physical literacy concurrent with social skills, teamwork, determination and grit.

What South Bay partnership has become unexpectedly meaningful?

Our work with the Los Angeles Chargers has been more incredible than we ever expected. This organization is truly invested in the local community. It’s been incredible to see their outreach work with youth flag football, as well as many other community-based events. They make me proud to be a member of the team and a part of such a thoughtful and invested organization.  

What role does curiosity play in your work?

Curiosity is the foundation of medical innovation. We are constantly striving to find ways to help children heal faster, more effectively and more efficiently. While their livelihood does not rely on sports participation, it is a big part of their social and physical life. The sooner we can return them to sport, the better. Our research efforts at Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children are targeted at returning kids to sports as soon as possible.

What part of your own childhood shows up in your business?

I was a multisport athlete growing up. Youth sports taught me a great deal about life, and sports remain a big part of my life today.  

Tell us about your family and how they support your work.

Sports medicine is a “family business.” Our coverage takes place on nights and weekends and can detract from quality time with family. In order to be able to take care of the teams that I do, my family has to be incredibly supportive, which they always have been. My wife, who is an oncologist, is my bedrock. Without her support, I could not do my job. My children are my daily inspiration in my work. They remind me of the joy that physical activity brings to children and inspire me to innovate in our field so we can better care for athletes around the globe. Their curiosity about the world never ceases to amaze me. And while they unanimously agree that my wife’s work is more important, they think my job is pretty cool.

Photographed by Mark Wang