EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 24, 2023) — The Rhode Island Athletic Trainers’ Association recently awarded University Orthopedics Dr. Philip Salko with the 2023 Frank Murgo Service Award.

The award – which is given each year to a non-athletic trainer who has dedicated service to RIATA members and the profession of athletic training – was presented during a ceremony at Johnson & Wales University Harbor Campus on May 23. It is named in honor of the late Frank Murgo, a longtime teacher, coach, and trainer at Barrington High School.

In addition to his duties as a sports medicine phyisican at University Orthopedics and an assistant clinical professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Dr. Salko is head team physician for Salve Regina University’s athletics program. Throughout his career he has worked with multiple Olympic teams including bobsledding, ski jumping, and short track speed skating, as well as various collegiate teams in all divisions of NCAA athletics. 

“At University Orthopedics, we pride ourselves on not only providing world-class orthopedic care but also on being an engaged member of our community. So to see another one of our doctors honored in such a way truly instills pride for all of us,” said Dr. Edward Akelman, president of University Orthopedics.