A native of Madison, Wis., and a former collegiate student-athlete himself, Dr. Don Middleton has filled the role of team physician for Milwaukee Athletics for over 25 years, while also serving in that capacity for multiple high schools and club sport teams in the area.
 
The relationship remains part of a larger one between Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin (OHOW) and the Milwaukee Athletics Department, a corporate partnership that dates back to 2011.
 
The story of how the two joined forces dates back to 1993, the year that Middleton began his private practice. One of his partners, Mark Aschliman, was one of the Panther team doctors at the time along with Bill Smith.
 
"He knew my background in soccer in particular, and my interest in sports medicine," Middleton said. "Shortly after I met Louis Bennett (the MKE MSOC coach from 1996-2005) while he was an assistant and saw one of his young children. My early days in practice left me with some time that allowed me to attend the afternoon men's soccer games. Of course it was very convenient being across the street from Columbia Hospital, where I could watch the game, then go back to the hospital to fix a broken hip in the evening."
 
The agreement became formalized in 1996 when Bennett was named the head coach of the Milwaukee men's soccer team. The department then made the move to make the relationship a larger one, asking Middleton if he was interested in also attending Panther women's basketball games as part of a new league requirement.
 
"I was happy to begin with the start of Sandy Botham and Louis Bennett's tenures at UWM," Middleton said. "John Ochsenwald was also very helpful in welcoming me. He played a large role in introducing me to the department."
 
The roles of how the relationship worked developed over time.
 
"Historically the team physicians attended men's basketball, and had some training room hours where the other sports would have access," Middleton said. "Being present at men's soccer games resulted in much more of a connection for me and better care for the guys. Soon, I was seeing many of the women as well, and began attending their games also. When Bill Smith retired, Todd Swenson took over the men's basketball team, with me primarily covering men's and women's soccer as well as women's basketball. Athletes from other sports are seen by either of us as needed."
 
Middleton has long been associated with Milwaukee Panther soccer. Over the years, he has become a fixture at games, with onlookers seeing him making the stroll out to the field when a student-athlete needs attention. His affinity for the game is a strong one.
 
"I grew up in Madison and was very involved in soccer, playing at Northwestern University as an undergrad," Middleton said. "I actually had an ankle injury that was under-treated in retrospect, as soccer players weren't the highest priority. I went on to medical school with an interest in orthopedics and sports medicine."
 
That love for the game goes back years and remains strong.
 
"Now I find it extremely rewarding to continue to be involved with soccer and give back both at the college level as well as local club soccer," he said. "With both my original club Madison 56ers and my adopted club, the Milwaukee Bavarians."
 
His position may have changed a bit over the years, but his current role is the one he enjoys the most, even if it does take some care to maneuver through all of the connections he has made.
 
"My role as a team physician now is to take the best care of the athlete that I can," Middleton said. "I enjoy being a fan and love a team's success, however that can be a dangerous place to be. It is important to do what is best for the athlete, both short and long term. Maintaining clear communication with the athlete, athletic trainer and coaching staff is critical."
 
When a student-athlete faces an injury situation, Middleton is there to help every step of the way.
 
"As I've had my own kids go off to college, I also understand how difficult it is for families to deal with injuries when they may be far from home," he said. "Coordinating and working with their doctors from home is another facet of this position. And of course the challenges of health insurance and coverage can be interesting."
 
These days, Middleton enjoys being at Engelmann Stadium on a regular basis. He has been coming to the pitch for years, dating back to his playing days.
 
"Before being involved at UWM, I was very familiar with their long track record of success in soccer," he said. "Men's soccer at UWM has been a strong program for a very long time. I remember playing in the 'unfriendly confines' of Engelmann, as do all of my soccer friends. Hecklers leaning in by the fence inches away from us was intimidating. Losing here was not uncommon, winning was extra sweet."
 
The years have passed, but the relationships continue to grow – even after the student-athletes have graduated.
 
"My favorite parts of being involved at UWM has been the people," Middleton said. "I have loved working closely with many of the ATCs as they have become exceptional trainers and great people. Similarly, the athletes have grown up before my eyes and now have big jobs, wonderful successes. I love that I get to continue seeing some of them in the community and stay in touch with others from a distance. I have been honored to attend a number of weddings as well and love seeing their growing families."
 
When you take a larger look at the overall picture of what all goes into a college sporting contest, things start to take focus on the role Middleton has played.
 
"When I began, I think I was in an enviable position - not really a coach but not a parent either," he said. "Perhaps a big brother or a friendly uncle. This allowed some wonderful connections, where I hope I could help provide some mentoring."
 
Unfortunately I think that ship has sailed and I am probably older than most of their parents now," Middleton jokingly said as he reflected back on his time with the Panthers.