Sivakumar Jaikumar, MD - UNC Health-REX Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists

I pursued additional training in sports medicine to aid those with acute and chronic conditions who wish to live healthier lives and achieve their health and fitness goals. My training and subsequent practice has included advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound and regenerative medicine techniques including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. My goal is to help athletes (and aspiring athletes) to achieve and maintain fitness, health and success. I have experience as a team physician for high school, college and NBA Development League teams, and I have provided sideline care to athletes at sporting events including multiple team sports, marathons, triathlons and trail running events. I am also interested in the education of our future physicians to improve their diagnostic and procedure skills in caring for muscle, joint and bone injuries. I am excited at the expanded research opportunities at UNC. I am a life-long soccer player, occasional coach and avid fan. I still play and may see you on the field. I moved here from Florida with my lovely wife and three amazing sons.

My passion for disease prevention and continuity of care is what initially drew me to practicing family medicine. I am very interested in helping individuals understand what factors are playing a role in their health and quality of life and partnering with patients on their journey towards improving both. Working with multiple generations of family members brings me tremendous joy, and I hope to be able to provide longitudinal care for families for many years to come. My approach to patient care centers first and foremost around listening to my patients. I like to learn about my patients day-to-day lives, goals, and how their specific medical conditions are impacting these areas or could in the future. I promote an environment of shared decision-making with my patients while also offering my medical opinion when they are faced with multiple options and are feeling overwhelmed. I aim to provide up to date medical information in an easily accessible manner to patients and will offer strategies to help achieve whatever health goal is most important to the individual. When I am not working, I enjoy running, watching Carolina Hurricanes hockey, playing with my cat, Luna, and spending time with my husband, Kyle.

I have always been interested in the sciences and thrive on being around people. It was a natural fit to become a physician. I also have a strong desire to help improve the general health of the people in my community. I believe prevention is key! Pursuing a balanced diet and doing regular exercise will keep you healthier than any medication that can be prescribed. My job is to try and get you off of medications, not put you on them! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, playing soccer and tending to my rose bushes.