“I fell in love with the anatomy,” he said. “Some of it was being able to diagnose with my hands and being able to look at anatomic structures and seeing what they’re missing. I found that fascinating. Being able to start with something broken and fix it by the end of the day… The hard science aspect of it definitely appealed to me.”

As a self-professed “fixer,” he has his work cut out for him as the team physician for the Georgia Southern Eagles, helping young athletes bounce back quicker from injuries and help them perform at their peak. He’s even seen some of his patients go on to the NFL, where they truly put his work to the test. “Those are always exciting times to see how your surgery stands up to a 300-pound lineman,” he said.

His work earned him the Warren Morris sportsman of the year award from the Georgia Athletic training association, recognition he rightfully views as a high honor. “It’s exciting to be involved with them and they’re so helpful to me in my work to treat and rehab athletes we jointly work with,” he said. “To be recognized was very meaningful.”

A fan of giving back, Dr. Gaines also finds pride in the work he accomplishes for organizations like the United Way and Safe Haven. Beyond the locker room and the operating theatre, it’s his home where Gaines finds the most joy, with his wife and two children.