Step into the exhilarating and demanding world of combat sports through the eyes of unsung heroes – ringside physicians. This interview project delves into the captivating stories and experiences of the courageous men and women who stand at the forefront of combat sports, ensuring the safety and well-being of fighters. From the local amateur scene to high-stakes championship bouts, these ringside physicians have seen it all. They share candid accounts of their journey to ringside medicine, the challenges of handling severe injuries under immense pressure, and the community they have built through their work.

Dr. Marni Friedman is a family medicine physician operating a private practice clinic serving Central California. She has experience working ringside in various combat sports on the amateur scene. She represents a strong voice not only for amateur fighters but also for female ringside physicians in the field. She shares her unorthodox experience getting involved in ringside physicianship and her journey navigating the field.

R: Would you like to start by sharing your training and current practice setting?

M: I’m a family medicine physician and in a solo private practice. I went to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh and returned to California. Did my residency at UC Irvine. I then came to Hollister California in Central/Coastal California where I opened my private practice and this is where I have stayed for my career. I’ve always been at the same location and have always been self-employed.

R: What was your pathway to ringside physicianship?

M: A very amusing one. I took over the practice of another physician to a certain extent who was retiring and somebody called the office one day and asked for that doctor to come to a nearby town on a weekend to help out with an amateur boxing event. They called asking for a doctor so and so and the receptionist said we don’t have that doctor but we have a Doctor Friedman and the boxing organizer said have him come. So I showed up and they said who are you? Well I’m the doctor, you asked for a doctor here I am. They were surprised to see a young woman instead of an older gentleman.

R: Not what they were expecting it sounds like.

M: Probably not but they showed me what to do at this USA Amateur Boxing Event and what they needed from a ringside doctor and they’ve called me all the time since then. I’ve done boxing events all over the region. And then somebody referred California Amatear Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) to me so I got invited to work a CAMO event. Got a crash course on how to do it. And since then people call me from time to time when they are looking for a local ringside physician in my area.

R: It sounds like this random encounter has grown into a great opportunity.

M: Yes, it happens that these events needed ringside doctors and they were asking around and sometimes I’m that doctor.

R: Was it a challenge getting involved with all these sports and learning the role of ringside physicians?

M: Well my practice is not sports medicine oriented. My interest has never been as sports medicine interested as it is for other family medicine physicians. Because it’s a lot of amateur work, it’s a lot of adolescents and adolescent medicine is one of my specialties. I’m a family medicine physician in a rural area. I’m pretty versatile and I’m good at dealing with situations that pop up unexpectedly.

R: What has your experience been like working more on the amateur scene?

M: When I’m doing a lot of work, I do start seeing the same combatants over and over. It’s been interesting to see participants from very different backgrounds. I see some of the same coaches, parents, club owners. I’ve built some great relationships doing this work and I believe being one of the few or only female physicians doing ringside work in California has made me more memorable in some aspects.

R: What has been your experience as a woman in ringside medicine?

M: I’ve had no issues working the events as a woman. In fact, I was pregnant while working ringside and even would bring my daughter to fights while working ringside. I know the female fighters like to see me and I like to see them. It’s disconcerting for some of the fighters and coaches that I have to be very clear who I am and why I am there. I’ve had to be very assertive at times when entering the venue that I am the doctor and you better let me in or this event won’t happen. I’ve had other providers try to undermine my position or speak over me maybe because of my gender, but I’ve made it a point to not let that happen again. Overall It hasn’t been a huge problem but it’s something that I have to be mindful of so that I’m able to do my job and no one gets in my way. A fair amount of the work involves shouting over the crowd being heard and having the fighters, the refs, and the coaches respect the work I need to do.

R: I can only imagine. Have you had to make any hard decisions in the ring?

M: I would prefer if my night was boring, and I didn’t have to jump into the ring to maybe stop fights. Fighters will say I’m alright even if they are clearly not, but each organization has clear guidelines on when to intervene or stop the fight. My job is to follow these standards and ultimately protect the fighters, especially from themselves. Overall It’s not that different from what I do in the clinic when I try to help patients make good life choices.

R: Do you have any advice for getting involved overall at the amateur scene?

M: I think as long as you have the medical license, the interest, and you are competent working with the flow of the event, that’s what they’re looking for. If you work well with others, or worked in even something like drama or event planning, those are the kinds of skills you use along with your medical skills. If you are willing to pitch in, you will fit in. I’ve helped with scorecards, with timekeeping, and even had a turn at being the ring girl just to say I had done everything. If all else doesn’t work, go to an amateur event and ask the promoter who you can get involved.

R: Great advice and thank you again for all your time and knowledge Dr. Friedman.

M: Thank you for having me.