Back to What You Love
Shoulder • Elbow • Knee • Throwing Athletes
Meet Dr. Danaher
Michael Danaher, MD is an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Wellstar Medical College of Georgia. He specializes in the treatment of shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries, with particular expertise in the care of throwing athletes.
From youth sports and high school athletics to collegiate competitors and professional athletes, Dr. Danaher is committed to helping patients recover from injury, return to sport, and maintain an active lifestyle through individualized, evidence-based care.
Former Division I Athlete
Athlete First
Before becoming a physician, Dr. Danaher was a Division I baseball catcher and team captain at Binghamton University.
Having personally experienced the demands of competitive athletics, he understands the challenges athletes face during injury, rehabilitation, and return to competition. This perspective continues to shape his approach to patient care, helping athletes navigate both the physical and mental aspects of recovery.
Columbia Fellowship & Throwing Athlete Specialist
Advanced Fellowship Training
Following residency training at the University of Vermont, Dr. Danaher completed an advanced Sports Medicine Fellowship at Columbia University under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Ahmad, Head Team Physician for the New York Yankees.
His fellowship focused on the treatment of complex shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries, with specialized training in the care of throwing athletes. This experience included the diagnosis and treatment of UCL injuries, Tommy John surgery, shoulder instability, internal impingement, and return-to-play management for overhead athletes.
During fellowship, he helped care for athletes from the New York Yankees organization, Columbia University, Fordham University, and Iona College.
A Foundation in Teaching
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Before pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Danaher taught high school Biology and Anatomy & Physiology through Teach For America in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
The classroom taught lessons that extended far beyond science. Working with students from diverse backgrounds reinforced the importance of listening, building trust, communicating clearly, and empowering others through education. Those experiences shaped a leadership philosophy centered on service, mentorship, and helping individuals reach their full potential.
Today, those same principles guide Dr. Danaher's approach to patient care. He believes patients should be active participants in their treatment, equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their health. Whether reviewing an MRI, discussing treatment options, or guiding an athlete through rehabilitation and return to sport, his goal is to ensure every patient feels educated, empowered, and confident throughout their care journey.
Team Physician
Caring for Athletes at Every Level
Dr. Danaher serves as a team physician for Augusta University and the Augusta GreenJackets, the Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. He has participated in professional baseball coverage through the Atlanta Braves organization, gaining experience in injury evaluation, return-to-play decision making, and performance-focused sports medicine care.
His experience spans youth athletes, high school competitors, collegiate athletics, and professional sports. Dr. Danaher is also a member of the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association (MLB TPA), reflecting his commitment to the care of baseball players and throwing athletes at all levels of competition.