David Bernhardt, MD, named Big Ten Team Physician of the Year
We are proud to share that David Bernhardt, MD, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Andy Hipskind Distinguished Big Ten Team Physician Award, one of the Big Ten Conference’s highest honors in athletic medicine.
The award recognizes outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to student-athlete health across the conference. Dr. Bernhardt has served Wisconsin Athletics for more than 31 years as a team physician, educator, and mentor, earning widespread respect for his compassionate care, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to putting student-athletes first.
In addition to his work with Wisconsin Athletics, Dr. Bernhardt has made a lasting impact through his roles as a professor in the UW Departments of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and Pediatrics, and as co-director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, helping to train the next generation of sports medicine professionals.
As he prepares to retire in June 2026, this recognition celebrates a remarkable career devoted to excellence in patient care, education and mentorship, and advocacy for student-athlete well-being.