Golden State Today

A UC Davis physician, Dr. Marcia Faustin, has shared insights into her holistic approach to athlete care, emphasizing the importance of mental health and support systems. Dr. Faustin, a family and sports medicine physician and assistant clinical professor at UC Davis Health, discussed her experiences in a conversation with Chancellor Gary S. May on the latest episode of "Face to Face."

“You’re not just an athlete; you’re the entire person,” Dr. Faustin stated during the interview. She highlighted how mental health and support systems can influence an athlete's current performance and future prospects.

Dr. Faustin has worked with athletes from various levels, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. Her roles have included serving as a team physician for USA Gymnastics and participating in both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.

The discussion also covered the role of mentorship in an athlete's development. Dr. Faustin noted that mentorship often extends beyond giving advice on athletic decisions.

Chancellor May concurred, saying, “Sometimes the best mentoring is telling you what not to do, as opposed to helping you move forward.”

In addition to her work with elite athletes, Dr. Faustin is co-head team physician for UC Davis Division I athletics, team physician for Sacramento Republic FC, and co-head team physician for the USA Gymnastics women’s national team.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to hear more about Dr. Faustin's dedication to athlete care, her advocacy for mental health, and her commitment to mentorship.

Chancellor May has featured over 40 guests on his monthly talk show "Face to Face," which includes faculty, staff, and students from UC Davis.

For more episodes of "Face to Face," visit their webpage or follow Dateline UC Davis on X.