Team

Dr. Bradley Raphael

Dr. Bradley Raphael is the Team Physician for Syracuse University. He specializes in arthroscopic and ligament reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle.

Dr. Raphael is a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency at Hospital for Special Surgery at Cornell-Weill Medical School in New York City. His cutting-edge training also includes a sports medicine fellowship at the prestigious Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Raphael has extensive experience out in the field working in tandem with the team doctors for the Los Angeles Lakers, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the University of Southern California.

With over 10 years of medical training, Dr. Raphael is honored to bring the most innovative care and state-of-the-art treatments back to Syracuse, his hometown. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bradley Raphael, please call 315-701-4024.

Dr. Irving Raphael

Dr. Irving Raphael was the Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician for Syracuse University and Cazenovia College. He is an Orthopedic consultant to the NCAA, NBA, NFL, and PGA.

Dr. Raphael specializes in arthroscopic and ligament reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle.

Dr. Raphael is a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency at Upstate Medical School, where he is now a clinical assistant professor of orthopedics. Dr. Raphael frequently lectures on sports medicine and student athlete related issues. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, the International Arthroscopy Association, and is a board certified in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Irving Raphael can reached by calling 315-701-4024 at Raphael Sports Medicine or Empire Dermatology at 315-500-SKIN, where he will be serving both practices.

Jacob Kurtz, PA

Jacob Kurtz is a physician assistant that joined SOS and the Sports Medicine team in 2021. Previously, he worked in primary care and at NYU Langone Orthopedics for 4 years treating a wide variety of orthopedic injuries with focuses in adult reconstruction and sports medicine.

He attended SUNY at Buffalo where he earned a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2014. Then later attended Le Moyne College where he earned his M.S. in Physician Assistant studies. He is licensed as a Physician Assistant by the University of the State of New York, Education Department, Office of the Professions and is board certified by the NCCPA.

Jacob sees patients at several SOS offices and supports our Sports Medicine team.

Deborah Pflugh

Deborah Pflugh brings over thirty years of experience to Syracuse Orthopedics. She is a certified First Assistant to Dr. Irving Raphael, attending closely to his patients in the office.

Deborah Pflugh is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center School of Nursing and she received her certification as a Nurse Practitioner at SUNY Health Science Center, both in Syrcause. She is certified member of the American Nurses’ Association and an active member in the Syracuse chapter of the Nurse Practitioner Association.