Ian J. Dempsey, MD

Ian J. Dempsey, M.D. began his academic career in the Leadership in Medicine program at Union College where he also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in healthcare at Union Graduate College. He then received his medical degree from Albany Medical College and continued his residency training at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He then completed a fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Rush University Medical Center. He was recognized with a number of awards while in medical school, residency and training for outstanding conduct, academic excellence and leadership.

He specializes in conditions of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. Dr. Dempsey focuses on individualized treatment for each patient that combines joint preserving techniques and restorative interventions and has extensive experience providing care for athletes of all levels. He has been a professional team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Fire, Chicago Joffrey Ballet, and cared for professional tennis players during the 2018 Laver cup. It was also during this time he provided care for the Chicago State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball team. He has also provided care for the Chicago Steel, a United States Hockey League top junior ice hockey team. During residency, he cared for University of Virginia to include the Men’s Lacrosse and Basketball team in addition to the Men’s Basketball team at James Madison University. He has also provided high school coverage for several teams during his training. In 2024, he was named to the region's list of Health Heroes and was recognized as a 2025 "Top Doc" for sports medicine in the Roanoker magazine

Dr. Dempsey’s clinical and research interests are focused on state of the art surgical and non-surgical interventions that optimize return to sport for athletes with shoulder, knee, and elbow pathology. Dr. Dempsey has over 50 peer reviewed publications, book chapters, abstracts and presentations.