We are excited to share that The Sports Institute at UW Medicine is entering a new chapter. Effective July 1, 2025, The Sports Institute (TSI) transitioned from the Department of Neurological Surgery to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, both part of the University of Washington School of Medicine. This move represents a strategic alignment rooted in shared purpose and complementary strengths.
Since its founding as a hub within Neurological Surgery, TSI has grown into a nationally recognized leader in sports safety, human performance, and community health. The transition to Rehabilitation Medicine is a natural progression in TSI’s mission to expand safe participation in sports and movement, and it reflects deep synergy with the department’s expertise and values.
At the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, our vision is a world where all people can fully participate and thrive—a goal that echoes TSI’s commitment to inclusivity and functional excellence. Our mission, to achieve and advance the highest quality rehabilitation care, training, and research, aligns with TSI’s multifaceted work in translational science, clinical innovation, and community education. Together, we share a commitment to integrity, inclusion, innovation, and impact—values that will continue to guide TSI’s future.
We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Samuel Browd, TSI co-founder, whose visionary leadership has been central to the Institute’s success since he became Director in 2018. While he stepped down as director on July 1, 2025, Dr. Browd will continue contributing as a senior advisor.
Dr. Stanley Herring, senior advisor for TSI, shared: “We look forward to this next chapter—and to continuing our mission of keeping kids safe while transforming lives through sports participation and physical activity for all.”
We also extend our gratitude to the Department of Neurological Surgery for its ongoing partnership and foundational support. This transition has been shaped through thoughtful collaboration, ensuring continuity for faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.
As we look to the future, we are thrilled to introduce the new leadership of The Sports Institute:
TSI Director: Cindy Lin, MD
Cindy Lin, MD, has been appointed Director of TSI. Dr. Lin has led clinical innovations at TSI since joining in 2019. She is a clinical professor of Sports & Spine Medicine in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and holds the Endowed Professorship of Sports and Exercise Medicine. A nationally and internationally recognized expert in sports and exercise medicine, Dr. Lin serves on the Board of Trustees of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the ACSM Clinical Sports Medicine Leadership Committee, the NCAA Training and Performance Advisory Group, and the US Equestrian Federation Medical Advisory Group. She is also a Governance Board Member for ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine initiative. Dr. Lin brings a deep passion for sports safety and health and is excited to lead TSI into its next phase of impact and innovation.
TSI Associate Director: Scott Polovitch-Davis, MNPL
Scott Polovitch-Davis, MS, joins TSI as Associate Director. Scott most recently served as Executive Director of Samena Swim & Recreation Club and previously as Director of Operations at Group Health Foundation. With a career spanning nonprofit operations, healthcare foundations, and sports recreational programming, Scott brings strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement expertise. His mission-driven leadership will be instrumental in advancing TSI’s work in sports safety and physical activity advocacy.
We are excited for what’s ahead and invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting this bold next step in The Sports Institute’s journey.