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Larry R Padgett, MD | Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Padgett Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine|
Arthroscopy of the Shoulder, Knee, and Elbow
Our Team //
Larry R Padgett, M.D. | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine
Dr. Padgett attended medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After Completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, he completed a postgraduate fellowship in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, and Shoulder Surgery, with Dr. Richard Caspari.
Dr. Padgett’s athletic medical experience is comprehensive, and includes his current role as the Florida Team physician for the Atlanta Braves. He was a Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 through 2008.
He is Team Physician for Florida Southern College, Webber International University and Warner University. Previously, he was the physician for the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, Assistant Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Event Physician for the Women’s World Pro Ski Tour. In 2006, He served as the Major League Orthopedic Physician for the World Baseball Classic.
He enjoys research and product development and has developed anterior cruciate ligament repair devices, as well as devices and techniques for shoulder and elbow arthroscopy.
Dr. Padgett enjoys caring for athlete’s of all ages. He consults as the team physician for many local high schools.
Katie L Purdy, PA-C, ATC-C |
Katie began her sports medicine career in high school as an athletic training student working with the local orthopedic surgeons in clinic and on the sidelines. She continued with her passion graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from Illinois State University in 2009. She has been a certified and licensed athletic trainer (ATC) since 2009.
She spent 2 years working for an orthopedic surgery group in central Illinois. During this time, Katie served as the first ATC for a small high school and head ATC for Illinois State University Ice Hockey.
In 2011 Katie obtained her National Orthopedic Technologist Certificate (OTC). As an ATC and OTC she completed a 13-month physician extender residency with the University of South Florida Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Department from 2011-2012. She spent this time learning to be first assist in surgery, running the daily operations of an orthopedic clinic, researching new innovations in sports medicine, and serving as the head ATC for USA Beach Volleyball and Tampa Bay Junior Ice Hockey.
In 2012, Katie pursued a higher education and in December 2014, she graduated from the ARC-PA Barry University Physician Assistant Program with her Masters of Clinical Medical Science. She is currently certified through the NCCPA as a Physician Assistant (PA-C). Prior to joining our orthopedic and sports medicine team in 2016, she spent 18 months as a PA-C in hand and upper extremity surgery. She is truly passionate about working within this incredible community, providing quality patient care daily, and serving as team provider on the sidelines every football season.
In her free time, Katie enjoys all sorts of fun adventures with her husband and their twin girls. Whether it’s trips to the beach, pool days, rollerblading, new vacation spots, or exploring the local parks and all the delicious foodie spots around!
Rachel A Padgett, APRN
Rachel is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with a strong background in nursing and a deep passion for sports and orthopedics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Brigham Young University, where she developed a solid foundation in patient care. Rachel began her career at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she worked as a Registered Nurse, gaining valuable hands-on experience in pediatric care.
Driven by her love for sports and orthopedics, Rachel pursued further education and earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida, specializing in advanced clinical practices. Throughout her career, Rachel has remained committed to providing high-quality care, drawing on her clinical experience and her passion for helping patients recover and return to the activities they love.
Outside of her work, Rachel enjoys staying active and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, staying connected to the sports world that has always been an integral part of her life.
Kali C Hawkins, PA-C
Kali Hawkins, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant originally from Fairfax, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a minor inSpanish from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA and went on to complete her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Kali has a long-held passion for orthopedics and sports medicine. Before enteringher PA program, she gained nearly 2,000 hours of clinical experience as a medical scribe in a Primary Care setting working under the mentorship of a Sports Medicine physician. She also shadowed an upper extremity orthopedic surgeon, deepening her interest and knowledge in the field.
Known for her efficiency, empathy, and patient-centered approach, Kali tailors each treatment plan to the unique goals and lifestyle of each individual patient. She is committed to helping her patients return to the activities they enjoy —stronger and healthier.
Kali is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants(AAPA) and Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA). Outside the clinic, she enjoys working out, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in the Tampa Bay.