David Michael Popoli, MD

“I chose physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) for its collaborative approach to medicine. I work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and surgeons to help optimize outcomes. I work to reestablish function and enjoy thinking deeply about the mechanics of motion and how this affects injury risk and prevention. I strive to continue learning to hone my craft and to develop treatment programs that are sustainable and easy to understand.”

Dr. David Popoli is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine. His clinical interests include pediatric/adolescent/young adult sports medicine, musculoskeletal overuse injuries, sports-related concussion and throwing injuries.

In addition to working with athletes, he has a special interest in performing arts medicine and has spent years working with dancers, musicians, actors and vocalists. They place high demands on their bodies, and Dr. Popoli feels they deserve to have a physician who speaks their language and can assist them when injuries occur. He is the medical director for the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Performing Arts Medicine Program. Dr. Popoli also serves as a consulting physician for UNC School of the Arts, the Greensboro Ballet and is the chair of the Medical Committee for the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.

Dr. Popoli is the co-investigator for the U54 Concussion Study. Other areas of research include resilience and molecular effects of exercise.

He received his bachelor’s degree at Princeton University and his medical degree at Tulane University. He completed residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard University and a fellowship in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Outside of work, he, his wife and daughter enjoy trying out new restaurants, traveling to the beach or mountains, archery and trying to perfect his key lime pie.