Name: Michael Peyton, MD
Title: Pediatric primary care sports medicine physician
Background: Previous positions include primary care sports medicine physician at PCSM in Tarzana and Agoura Hills. Education includes major in biological sciences and educational studies minor at UC Irvine, medical doctorate at the Medical College of Wisconsin, pediatric residency at UC Irvine/Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County, and primary care sports medicine fellowship at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Clinical interests: Concussion management, fracture care, overuse injuries, injury prevention, return-to-play decision making, orthobiologics, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided procedures.
Research interests: Return-to-play decision making and outcomes, concussion assessment and recovery, and injury prevention.
Describe your role here and some of your goals.
As a pediatric sports medicine physician, I care for children, adolescents and young adults with acute and chronic sports injuries, fractures, concussions and other musculoskeletal conditions. My goal is to provide timely, evidence-based care that helps young athletes recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy. I’m also excited to help expand access to pediatric sports medicine throughout Orange County and strengthen partnerships with primary care physicians, schools, athletic trainers and community sports organizations.
What do you hope to offer for patients, families and referring physicians in the community?
I want families to know they have a trusted partner when an injury happens. I believe in taking time to educate patients and parents so they understand both the diagnosis and the recovery process. For referring physicians, I hope to be an accessible resource who can provide comprehensive evaluations, timely communication and collaborative care that helps patients get back to being healthy and active.
What got you interested in medicine/healthcare and what led to your decision to join Rady Children’s Health?
I’ve always enjoyed working with children and was drawn to sports medicine because it combines problem-solving, movement and helping patients achieve meaningful goals. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a young athlete return to the field, court or playground with confidence.
Returning to Rady Children’s Hospital feels like coming home. My pediatrics residency training here shaped me both professionally and personally, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the same community that helped me grow as a physician. Joining Rady Children’s Health also allows me to be part of an organization committed to advancing pediatric care across Southern California.
Name some key mentors and/or describe your philosophy as a physician and/or leader/manager.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many outstanding mentors throughout my training and professional career including Drs. Ashwin Rao, Kyle Nagle, Monique Burton, Celeste Quitiquit, and Byron Patterson who emphasized compassion, curiosity and teamwork. They taught me that excellent medicine begins with listening.
My philosophy is to treat every patient as if they were a member of my own family. I believe in building trust through clear communication, shared decision-making and individualized care. Whether a child is playing recreational sports or competing at an elite level, my goal is to help them recover safely while promoting lifelong health and physical activity.
Any personal details you’d like to share?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two young children, exploring Southern California, trying new restaurants, beaches, and parks. I’m also an avid sports fan and enjoy staying active through strength training, swimming, and recreational sports. I love being outdoors and look forward to introducing my kids to the same activities that inspired my interest in sports medicine.
Learn more about the CHOC Primary Care Network
Our network of pediatricians includes more than 20 offices throughout Orange County and beyond that offer well-checks, immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more, as well as pediatric urgent care services.
