From NCAA Champion to Medical Breakthroughs | Dr. Michael Longaker

In this powerful episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Jock Putney sits down with Dr. Michael Longaker, world-renowned surgeon-scientist, Stanford professor, and pioneer in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. From winning a national championship against Larry Bird’s undefeated team to reshaping modern medicine through discoveries like the skeletal stem cell, Dr. Longaker shares a remarkable journey defined by discipline, mentorship, and relentless effort.

This conversation explores the connection between elite athletics, academic excellence, and scientific discovery, while unpacking how true impact is built over decades, not moments. Dr. Longaker reflects on imposter syndrome, mentorship, scarless healing, fibrosis research, leadership, and what it means to shift from individual achievement to leading through others.