What more does an immensely successful sports medicine and physical therapy practice need?  How about a science-based, proven approach to improving sports performance and getting athletes back on the field?

Dr. John Samani and Dr. Thomas Perkins, fellowship trained sports medicine specialists, couldn’t agree more, which is why they opened Athletic Republic Auburn Hills in January, 2009.

Athletic Republic Auburn Hills provides the ultimate experience for athletes.  Housed under the same roof as the Institute for Athletic Medicine and IAM Physical Therapy, Athletic Republic Auburn Hills integrates a comprehensive approach to improving sports performance. From helping athletes reduce their risk of injury; to improving, speed, agility and power utilizing Athletic Republic’s proprietary equipment and 4000 pages of protocols; to helping athletes return to play after an injury - Athletic Republic Auburn Hills is a one-stop shop for athletes looking to unlevel the playing field.

Located just off Interstate 75 on the west side of Opdyke Road south of University Drive, Athletic Republic was added as a component of the existing orthopedic practices of Dr. Samani and Dr. Perkins.  The business partners have each worked with an extensive list of professional and collegiate teams, including The Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and Michigan State University’s varsity athletes.  Together, they pioneered an innovative ACL reconstruction surgery, offering athletes a more stable knee and a chance at reduced arthritis down the road.

Athletic Republic was seen as the missing piece to their existing surgery and physical therapy offerings.

“Our medical practice is based on science and methodology that continues to evolve and improve through many years of research and medical advancement,” said Facility Director Steve Mann.

“We believe with Athletic Republic’s common philosophy and emphasis on proven science, we can now offer a comprehensive solution to minimizing injury or lost time from participation and help athletes reach their peak performance levels.”

Athletic Republic’s proprietary equipment, including two SuperTreadmills capable of speeds up to twenty-eight miles per hour and inclines of 40 percent, the PlyoPress, 3PQ, and a 240 square foot specialized hardwood floor for plyometric training highlight the 20,000 square foot training space.  The facility also includes 4050 square feet of turf space, a regulation basketball hoop with a three point shooting area, a two-lane track, as well as a cardio and free weight room – a facility like no other in Michigan.

About the Doctors

John Samani, M.D.

Dr. John Samani is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a partner in the Institute for Athletic Medicine, an orthopedics and sports-medicine practice based in Auburn Hills, Mich. He founded the practice in 2000.

Dr. Samani graduated from the University of Nebraska and received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Vermont followed by a fellowship at the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center. There he performed specialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic and reconstructive knee and shoulder surgery. While in Minneapolis, Dr. Samani enjoyed the privilege of working with professional athletes in the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves organizations. He also worked with many athletes at university and high school levels. Dr. Samani still provides medical care for the Twins when they play in the Detroit area. He currently serves as team physician for the Oakland County Cruisers Frontier League professional baseball team.

Tom Perkins, DO

Dr. Thomas Perkins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a partner in the Institute for Athletic Medicine, an orthopedics and sports-medicine practice based in Auburn Hills, Mich. He joined the practice in 2001 as an associate and became partner in 2002.

When not in surgery or seeing patients, Dr. Perkins teaches medical students at Michigan State University, where he is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties. He also served as director of MSU’s orthopaedic surgery residency program at Mt. Clemens Regional Medical Center.

His background on campus and in clinic, as well as his own athletic experience led Dr. Perkins to a career in sports medicine. While earning his undergraduate degree at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Mich., he played on the school’s baseball team, and was an Academic All-American. He earned his medical degree at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. then served his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Mt. Clemens Regional Medical Center and completed a fellowship in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine back at Michigan State. During his fellowship, he was a team doctor for baseball’s Lansing Lugnuts and the NHL semi-professional Capital Centre Pride. He also worked with MSU varsity athletics, and remains an MSU athletic medical consultant.

Athletic Republic Auburn Hills Staff

Steve Mann – Director and Partner
Steve is the facility director at Athletic Republic – Auburn Hills with 15 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development.  Steve was one of Michigan’s elite high school football players who had a successful collegiate career at the University of Wyoming, earning the Freshman Newcomer Award.  For the past 11 years Steve has served as an assistant varsity football and track coach at Birmingham- Detroit Country Day School and has trained and prepared many athletes to compete at the Division I and II level.   He is the father and coach of three elite athletes who rank among the nation’s best in their respective sports (track/field and baseball).   Steve spends his free time golfing and traveling across the country to tournaments and track meets with his children.  Steve serves on several advisory boards and committees to further youth athletics throughout Michigan.

Erica Fovenesi – Performance Training Specialist
Erica is a performance training specialist with several years of experience as a trainer and basketball skills instructor.  Erica was an accomplished collegiate basketball player and cross-country runner who received the Gatorade Athlete Award.  In addition to being a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Erica’s past training experience includes training the Florida Gulf Coast University Men’s Basketball Team and an internship with the Boston Red Sox, IMG Academy and mentoring by trainers in the NBA and NHL.  Erica is currently pursuing her degree in Health Sciences at Central Michigan University.   A member the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Erica is also active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.   She enjoys playing basketball, running, riding her motorcycle and spending time with family. 

Mike Jablonski – Performance Training Specialist
Mike is a performance training specialist with over 10 years of training experience.  Mike is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.  He has been involved in program development and operations in several area fitness clubs.  Mike enjoys playing basketball, baseball, football and working out.

Jeff Noonan, ATC – Bridge Administrator and Performance Training Specialist
Jeff is a certified athletic trainer and performance coach who currently serves as the administrator of our Bridge Program.  Jeff’s training experience includes over 6 years in fitness program development and physical therapy at some of Southeast Michigan’s largest physical therapy centers.  During his 25 years as a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Jeff has participated in the Pan American Games (1987) and the World Cup Soccer (1996) as a Host Athletic Trainer.  Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education/Athletic Training from Indiana State University and Master’s degree from Central Michigan.  Jeff enjoys playing soccer and club hockey games.

Amy Schmitz – Performance Training Specialist
Amy is a performance training specialist who has several years of experience as a personal trainer and sports trainer.  She is certified through the National Personal Trainers Institute and Aerobic and Fitness Association of America.  Amy is a track and volleyball coach at the high school level.   Throughout her career, she was an accomplished basketball, volleyball and track athlete.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in health education from the University of Michigan – Flint and is currently completing her Master’s degree in exercise Science - cardiac rehab at Oakland University.  In her personal time, she enjoys hunting, backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, playing volleyball, running, cooking and biking.

Melissa Szkola – Performance Training Specialist
Melissa is a performance training specialist with 4 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Aide.  Melissa received her bachelor’s degree from Oakland University and Master’s degree from Wayne State University in the areas of kinesiology and health and sport studies.  She is also currently pursuing her CSCS certification.  After 20 years of competitive figure skating and a collegiate career with Oakland University's Women’s Hockey Team, Melissa continues her love for the game currently serving as an official for the USA Hockey, Inc. 

To learn more about Athletic Republic – Auburn Hills, visit www.unleveltheplayingfield.com or call (248) 724-0808