What inspired you to specialize in sports and spine medicine?
I’ve always been fascinated by how the body adapts to stress—whether that’s an Olympic swimmer fine-tuning performance or an adolescent athlete trying to stay healthy through a critical season. My engineering background pushed me to look at movement like a system to understand and optimize, while my clinical training grounded me in restoring function and reducing pain. Sports and spine medicine let me combine both: helping people move better, recover faster, and pursue what matters most to them.
Why did you choose to join UW Medicine?
UW Medicine is where innovation meets purpose. The opportunity to work alongside experts across rehabilitation, orthopedics, neuroscience, and pediatrics—inside a health system committed to translating research into real outcomes for patients—was a natural fit. It’s also home to a culture that values prevention, education, and service to athletes of all ages, from our local community to national teams on the world stage.
What is your favorite part of working with patients in this field?
I love helping patients connect the dots between understanding their condition and reclaiming confidence in movement. Whether the goal is returning to sport, returning to play with their kids, or simply returning to a pain-free walk, the moment a patient realizes progress is possible—that’s why I do this work.
What is one easy tip for spine/joint health you wish everyone would follow?
Keep moving—consistently. And listen to your body. Regular movement and strength matter most when they’re paired with self-awareness and adapting to what your body needs.
When you are not in the clinic, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy exploring the world through adventure and endurance—cycling, swimming, tennis, and spending time outdoors with family. I’m a big believer that the best way to understand what patients experience in sport and recovery is to live it myself.
Dr. Krabak stands in front of the pools at two swimming events where he serves as team physician.