Episode 011: Dr. Laura Fralich is a dual board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician and the owner of Northwest Sports and Exercise Medicine in Spokane. In this episode, she discusses her journey from being a young athlete to a sports medicine physician, emphasizing the importance of active recovery, understanding common injuries in aging athletes, and strategies to counteract the effects of aging.

This interview highlights the significance of movement, proper nutrition, and mental health in maintaining an active lifestyle as we age. The discussion also covers the role of technology in training and recovery, as well as the importance of social connections for overall well-being.

Dr. Fralich completed her Family Medicine residency in Spokane and Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Massachusetts.  Her medical expertise includes ultrasound-guided procedures and diagnostics, treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, and sports performance for athletes of all ages and abilities.

For over a decade, Dr. Fralich has served as a team physician at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and has led medical teams for several local and national events including the USA Special Olympic Games and Boston Marathon. She serves on the WIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, is a frequent speaker at medical conferences, and is an Assistant Professor at WSU’s College of Medicine as well as a Clinical Instructor at UW’s School of Medicine.

Dr. Fralich is the founder and co-director of the Sports Performance and Leadership Summit for high school student-athletes, created the Spokane County Medical Society's Women in Medicine conference in 2023, and is host of the podcast “What’s Right With Healthcare,” highlighting the people, programs, and technologies improving our quality of life and the manner in which healthcare is delivered and received.    