A photo of Paul Gubanich.

Paul J. Gubanich, MD, MPH


  • SR Medical Director, Ambulatory
  • Co-Director, BRAIN Health & Wellness Center
  • Member, Division of Sports Medicine
  • Co-Founder, Dance Medicine Clinic
  • Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
I enjoy working with children because it is particularly impactful. Most lifelong health habits form at a young age, and encouraging youth to embrace physical activity and sports provides them with the tools for a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.
Paul J. Gubanich, MD, MPH

About

Biography

I am a nationally recognized sports medicine physician with more than 20 years of experience caring for athletes of all ages and skill levels—from youth and recreational participants to elite professionals. I combine advanced medical expertise with personalized care to ensure every patient receives a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their individual goals.

My clinical and research interests include sport related concussion and traumatic brain injury, dance medicine, sports performance, injury prevention, and healthcare optimization. Throughout my career, I’ve served as a team physician and consultant for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional organizations, including the AHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, and Olympic athletes, as well as pre professional and professional dance companies. I currently serve as the senior medical director for ambulatory specialty care at Cincinnati Children’s.

As an educator and innovator, I have trained more than 60 clinical fellows and researchers, delivered over 300 lectures, and authored more than 80 publications. I have led more than 40 research and quality improvement initiatives focused on advancing patient recovery, safety, and performance. Nationally, I contribute to healthcare improvement as a member of the Ambulatory Foundation Leadership Council for Solutions for Patient Safety. I am honored to have been elected a fellow of both the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Driven by a passion for optimizing health and recovery, I co founded the Brain Recovery After INjury (BRAIN) Health and Wellness Center and the Dance Medicine Clinic—integrated, multidisciplinary programs designed to deliver efficient, patient centered care. These initiatives reflect my commitment to promoting positive health behaviors and physical activity for athletes at every level.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy coaching youth sports, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with my family and pets.

Undergraduate: Ohio University, Athens, OH, 1997.

Medical School: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2001.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 2004.

Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 2005.

Graduate: Masters of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 2007.

Interests

Sport-related concussion and traumatic brain injury; dance medicine; sports performance; injury prevention

Services and Specialties

Interests

Sport-related concussion and traumatic brain injury; dance medicine; sports performance; injury prevention; optimization of healthcare delivery and patient safety

Research Areas

Insurance Information

Cincinnati Children's strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Please contact your health insurance carrier to verify coverage for your specific benefit plan.

View Insurance Information

Publications

Abstract 4369410: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms (ACE-I/D) Do Not Predict Exercise-Induced Cardiac Remodeling or Performance in Adolescent Male Athletes. Becker, K; Hardie, W; Gubanich, P; Hill, G; Logan, K; Martin, L; Powell, A. Circulation. 2025; 152:a4369410.

Does central nervous system dysfunction underlie patellofemoral pain in young females? Examining brain functional connectivity in association with patient-reported outcomes. Diekfuss, JA; Grooms, DR; Nissen, KS; Coghill, RC; Bonnette, S; Barber Foss, KD; Dudley, JA; Berz, K; Logan, K; Gubanich, P; Hansen, E; Leach, J; Yuan, W; Myer, GD. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2022; 40:1083-1096.

Clinical phenotype and musculoskeletal characteristics of patients with aggrecan deficiency. Alexandrou, E; Dauber, A; Tyzinski, L; Hwa, V; Andrew, M; Kim, H; Elangovan, S; Gubanich, P; Taylor-Haas, JA; Paterno, M; Backeljauw, P. American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part A. 2022; 188:1193-1203.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Status and Sex Moderate Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptom Severity in Children and Adolescents: Implications for Clinical Management. Orban, SA; Epstein, JN; Carr, D; Logan, K; Gubanich, PJ; Sidol, C; Myer, GD. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2021; 31:e298-e305.

From the Blog

8 Misconceptions About Concussions in Kids
Blog Safety and Prevention

8 Misconceptions About Concussions in Kids

By Paul Gubanich, MD9/30/2022

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