How does a multi-talented athlete get drafted for MLB and decide to pursue his passion for dentistry?

In this episode of the Athletes In Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Dave dives into the remarkable journey of Dr. Sonny Spera, a dentist who once thrived on the basketball courts at Syracuse University and nearly took to the baseball diamond as a Milwaukee Brewer. Through captivating stories, Dr. Spera recounts his early athletic pursuits and the tough decision to transition from being drafted by Major League Baseball to following his passion for dentistry. This conversation reveals the lesser-known struggles and triumphs he faced while moving from high school sports to the more intense collegiate level, where the stakes and emotional demands were exponentially greater.

Dr. Spera illustrates how the skills and tenacity developed through sports—leadership, resilience, and a robust work ethic—set the foundation for his dental career. With stories of building a multi-location dental practice, he shares the real-world applications of strategic thinking and teamwork honed on the basketball court. Dr. Spera's narrative is not just about a career change but about melding his two worlds to forge a dynamic and successful professional path. For aspiring dentists and athletes alike, his journey offers a roadmap to overcoming adversities and achieving excellence, both on the field and in the clinic.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The impact of sports on professional and personal development.
• How Dr. Spera transitioned from sports to dentistry.
• The parallels between leading a sports team and managing a dental practice.
• Tips on resilience and adaptability from Dr. Spera's experiences.
• Challenges and strategies when starting and growing a dental practice.
• Insights into the value of lifelong learning in both sports and dentistry.

Let's dive into the incredible journey of Dr. Sonny Spera!

Learn More About Dr. Sonny Spera Here!

Website: progressivedentalny.com

Learn More About Dr. Dave Here!

Website: drdavestriegel.com

Mentions and Links:

Podcast Episodes:
Court to Clinic: A Resilient Journey from Basketball Star to Dentist | Dr. LeeAnne Sera | 1

Education:
Syracuse University

Sports Athletes/Teams:
Milwaukee Brewers
Magic Johnson
Matt Doherty
Ed Pinckney
Fred Brown
Howie Garfinkel
Denny Crum
Scooter McCray
Rodney McCray
Darrell Griffith (Dr. Dunkenstein)
Pearl Washington
Joe Girard III
Jerry McNamara
Keith Smart
Rick Pitino
Michael Jordan