David E.J. Bazzo, MD, FAAFP

David E.J. Bazzo, MD, is a board-certified family medicine doctor who specializes in sports medicine. Dr. Bazzo's expertise includes diagnosing, treating and preventing injuries associated with athletics. He also provides primary care for patients of all ages, including preventive care and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Currently, he sees patients for sports injuries through referral.

Dr. Bazzo was recently awarded 2023 Family Physician of the Year Award by the California Academy of Family Physicians. He has repeatedly been named a top doctor in both family medicine and sports medicine in San Diego Magazine's "Physicians of Exceptional Excellence" annual survey performed in collaboration with the San Diego County Medical Society. In 2018, he was elected as president of the San Diego County Medical Society, the first UC San Diego Health physician to hold the position.

Dr. Bazzo has been providing medical care to San Diego families since 1993. He enjoys helping his patients remain healthy, as well as recover from illness or injury. In his significant efforts to serve the San Diego community, Dr. Bazzo is the Head Team Physician for the San Diego Seals Professional Indoor Lacrosse team, as well as Head Team Physician for San Diego Stars and Stripe, Lijufa International Bowl and Mira Mesa High School football teams. He was consulting physician for the San Diego Chargers and United States Olympic Committee.

As interim chair and professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Bazzo trains medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is internationally recognized for his work in doctor-patient communication. Dr. Bazzo also serves on the faculty for the UC San Diego Physician Assessment and Clinical Education (PACE) program and as an officer on the executive committee for the San Diego County Medical Society.

Dr. Bazzo completed a residency and fellowship at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He is board-certified in family medicine and sports medicine.

In 2015, Dr. Bazzo was jointly awarded the Ray L. Casterline Award for Excellence in Writing from the Federation of State Medical Boards for "best article" in the organization's Journal of Medical Regulation.

A lifelong athlete, Dr. Bazzo became a sports medicine specialist because of his love for athletics. In high school, he participated in wresting, played baseball and was selected for the All-Valley football squad in San Gabriel Valley, Calif. He now enjoys playing golf, tennis, volleyball and surfing. Dr. Bazzo also enjoys cooking for family and friends.

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For more information, see Primary Care and Sports Medicine.