Dr. Thomas Bottiglieri Receives
2026 Dr. Timothy Hosea Team Physician Award
Dr. Thomas Bottiglieri has been honored as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Timothy Hosea Team Physician Award, presented by the Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ).
This prestigious award recognizes a team physician in New Jersey who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to athletic training, sports medicine, and athlete care. Named after Dr. Timothy Hosea, the award highlights physicians who actively support and advance the profession of athletic training through collaboration, education, and service.
Recipients of the Dr. Timothy Hosea Team Physician Award are evaluated based on excellence in several key areas of sports medicine and athletic training, including:
- Over 10 years of experience as a team physician, providing medical care for athletes
- Leadership and involvement in ATSNJ, including speaking engagements, committee participation, and professional collaboration
- Coverage of competitive athletic events, such as all-star games, state competitions, and other high-level sporting events
- Contributions to sports medicine research, education, and publications
- Community outreach, charitable involvement, and dedication to athlete health and safety
Commitment to Sports Medicine and Athletic Training in New Jersey
Dr. Bottiglieri’s recognition reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing sports medicine in New Jersey, supporting certified athletic trainers, and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to athletes of all ages and levels.
His work continues to strengthen the connection between team physicians and athletic trainers, ensuring optimal injury prevention, treatment, and return-to-play outcomes.
What Colleagues Are Saying
“Dr. Bottiglieri’s level of competence and knowledge regarding high school sports medicine and athletic injuries is outstanding. He consistently stays current with the latest developments in sports medicine, with his expertise in concussion evaluation and assessment being particularly exemplary. Our communication regarding student-athlete health concerns is seamless, he is always just a phone call away, and his guidance and support for both students and parents is invaluable.
The feedback I receive from families referred to his office is consistently positive. Parents and athletes frequently praise his ability to clearly explain diagnoses, treatment plans, and return-to-play protocols. His collaborative approach ensures that student-athletes return to participation only when they are medically cleared and truly ready, prioritizing long-term health over short-term competition. This level of care has had a significant positive impact on our school community.
On a personal level, Dr. Bottiglieri has gone above and beyond for countless students by providing thorough evaluations and a compassionate, personal touch. His follow-up phone calls to both me and the parents of injured athletes demonstrate his commitment to patient care and communication. Most importantly, he never compromises athlete safety, even when an athlete is eager to return to play.” - Konstantinos "Gus" Paleoudis MS, CAA, ATC, Director of Athletics/Athletic Trainer Emerson School District
“Affectionately known as “Doc Botts” to many colleagues and patients alike, is that rare doctor who is not only treats athletes of all ages but has a bed-side manner that makes him easily approachable and relatable to everyone. It is not uncommon to see him joking with athletes and parents during an encounter, to make everyone feel at ease as he starts an examination.” - Kenneth T. Cieslak, DC, LAT, ATC, PSP, Atlantic Sports Health, Past-President: Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey
“Dr. Bottiglieri has been our team doctor for over a decade, and his support of Hawthorne’s student-athletes has been outstanding. He works closely with our athletic trainer, coaches, and local EMS to make sure everyone is prepared and working together. He is always willing to make himself available to see and support our student-athletes, no matter the time of day, and is consistently there to assist our athletic trainer whenever she needs guidance or support. His professionalism and dedication truly make a difference for our entire athletic program.” - Art Mazzacca, Athletic Director Hawthorne High School
“He advocates for his patients and is a true supporter of the Athletic Training profession. Dr B understands everyone's role in the Sports Medicine community and collaborates with everyone involved in the care of athletes to make sure the best outcome is achieved.” - Chris Warner, Retired ATC Hawthorne HS
“Dr. B has been a staple on our sidelines since 2009. Our families know they are in excellent hands when they see him. He takes his time, listens, and treats every student-athlete like they are important. We are fortunate that we get to share his knowledge of sports medicine with our community.” - Danielle Labianco, Elmwood Park HS ATC
“He brings a calm, knowledgeable approach and a kind smile that helps athletes, staff, and families feel comfortable and confident in his care…. Through his involvement in Belleville and across New Jersey athletics, he has contributed to thoughtful sports medicine support and consistent medical decision making for student athletes.” - Jenna Bidoglio, Belleville HS ATC
