Chad Kessler
Encyclopedia
Dr. Chad M. Kessler is a former college basketball player for University of Georgia
from 1984–1987 and currently an orthopaedic surgeon. He is the older brother of the late Alec Kessler
(1967–2007) who also played basketball at the University of Georgia in 1987-1990 and in the NBA with Miami Heat
(1990–1994) before retiring to pursue a career also as an orthopaedic surgeon.
degree but deferred his enrollment into medical school to play professional basketball. He entered the 1986 NBA Draft
and was chosen in the fifth round (93rd pick overall) by the Los Angeles Clippers
; unfortunately, he failed to make the roster and never got to play in the NBA. Kessler later played in the Pro Am Basketball Leagues for a year before returning to his studies in medicine.
in Augusta
where he also completed his general surgery internship and orthopaedic residency. After finishing his orthopaedic training, Kessler pursued his special interest in spine surgery at the Leatherman Spine Fellowship Program at Louisville, Kentucky
. Dr. Kessler is currently on staff at the Georgia Bone & Joint in Newnan, Georgia
.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
from 1984–1987 and currently an orthopaedic surgeon. He is the older brother of the late Alec Kessler
Alec Kessler
Alec Christopher Kessler was an American college basketball player for the University of Georgia and later, as a professional, for the Miami Heat in the NBA...
(1967–2007) who also played basketball at the University of Georgia in 1987-1990 and in the NBA with Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
(1990–1994) before retiring to pursue a career also as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Playing career
Kessler played for the Bulldogs while studying pre-med and received his Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree but deferred his enrollment into medical school to play professional basketball. He entered the 1986 NBA Draft
1986 NBA Draft
-Drug and health issues involving drafted players:There were various drug-related problems that plagued players in the 1986 NBA draft. Most notable was the death of highly-touted Len Bias. Bias died less than two days after being selected second overall by the defending champion Boston Celtics. His...
and was chosen in the fifth round (93rd pick overall) by the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
; unfortunately, he failed to make the roster and never got to play in the NBA. Kessler later played in the Pro Am Basketball Leagues for a year before returning to his studies in medicine.
Medical career
Kessler received his medical degree from the Medical College of GeorgiaMedical College of Georgia
Georgia Health Sciences University formerly known as, and now home of the, Medical College of Georgia , is a public academic health center, with its main campus located in the Medical District of Augusta, Georgia. It is the smallest of four research universities in the University System of Georgia...
in Augusta
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
where he also completed his general surgery internship and orthopaedic residency. After finishing his orthopaedic training, Kessler pursued his special interest in spine surgery at the Leatherman Spine Fellowship Program at Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
. Dr. Kessler is currently on staff at the Georgia Bone & Joint in Newnan, Georgia
Newnan, Georgia
Newnan is a city in Coweta County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The population was 16,242 at the 2000 Census. Newnan is one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,097 in 2006 and 33,293 in July 2008...
.
Notable Awards
- GTE Academic All-American in 1987.
- Special citation from the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- University of Georgia President's Award.