Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Rhee has worked at the intersection of discipline, innovation, and patient-centered care for nearly two decades. He is a sports chiropractor by training, a U.S. Navy veteran by service, and the founder of RheeGen®.
His career spans elite performance environments—from aircraft carriers to NFL sidelines, however, today Dr. Rhee is best known for pioneering Cell-Free Regenerative Medicine. This all through a non-invasive, topical approach that is redefining recovery, and how it is delivered.
In this interview, he talks about the experiences, values, and philosophy that have ultimately shaped his path.
When asked what first drew him to chiropractic care and how early experiences shaped his approach to healing, Dr. Rhee explains that the profession’s respect for the body’s innate ability to heal was the initial draw.
“I was drawn to chiropractic because it focuses on restoring function rather than simply managing symptoms. From the beginning, I believed healing should support the body, not override it. Early in my career, working with elite athletes taught me that recovery has to be precise, efficient, and safe. When performance and careers are on the line, there’s no room for guesswork.”
On growing up in a family of physicians, he says that background instilled a deep sense of responsibility.
“Medicine in my family was never about prestige—it was about service. I learned early that when someone trusts you with their health, that trust matters. Whether I’m treating a professional athlete or someone dealing with chronic pain, I approach every patient with that same responsibility.”
Reflecting on his service in the U.S. Navy as an aircrew aviator, Dr. Rhee credits the military with shaping his discipline and decision-making.
“Aviation demands structure, preparation, and calm decision-making under pressure. Mistakes aren’t abstract—they have real consequences. That mindset
carries directly into medicine. I’m very methodical in how I evaluate, treat, and make decisions, and patient safety is always the priority.”
When discussing his decision to open his first practice in Los Angeles before returning to Tampa, Dr. Rhee describes that period as foundational.
“Los Angeles was an incredible environment for growth. I worked with UCLA Athletics from 2005 to 2008, treating elite athletes across multiple sports. That experience refined my performance-driven approach to care. Tampa has always been home, though, and I wanted to bring that level of innovation back to the community that raised me.”
When asked what he means by bringing a “West Coast approach” to chiropractic care in Tampa, he explains it in practical terms.
“It’s about being proactive and forward-thinking. I combined hands-on care with advanced technology and whole-body recovery strategies. I introduced therapies like ART®, EWOT, Whole-Body Cryotherapy, and PiezoWave Shockwave Therapy to Tampa before they were widely used here. Those choices were never about trends—they were about outcomes.”
On how patients initially responded to that different approach, Dr. Rhee acknowledges that it took time.
“At first, it was unfamiliar. The technology and intensity of care were new for many people. But once patients felt the results—faster recovery, better movement, lasting improvement—it clicked. Tampa has an active population that just needed access to better tools.”
Asked what principles guide his care regardless of whether he’s treating elite athletes or everyday patients, his answer is consistent.
“I respect the body, prioritize safety, and focus on long-term function. I don’t believe in shortcuts that compromise healing. The standard of care doesn’t change based on who’s on the table.”
On being described by patients as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ doctor, Dr. Rhee defines his approach simply.
“I see myself as a problem-solver. I blend experience, technology, and innovation, but I never lose sight of the person in front of me. If I wouldn’t use a treatment on myself or my family, I won’t recommend it to a patient. That philosophy is what led me to develop RheeGen® and pioneer Cell-Free Regenerative Medicine™.”
Looking back on moments that confirmed he was on the right path, Dr. Rhee points to a defining case.
“An NFL quarterback came to me with a potentially career-ending Achilles injury. Traditional options would have sidelined him. By developing a non-invasive regenerative solution, he finished the season without missing a game and fully healed. That’s when I knew we were onto something bigger.”
When reflecting on the values that matter most to him today as a physician, Dr. Rhee emphasizes accessibility and integrity.
“Healing shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. Through RheeGen®, my goal is to make regenerative care safer, more affordable, and available to more people—without injections, unnecessary risk, or downtime.”
Conclusion
Dr. Tommy Rhee’s career has been shaped by discipline, curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. His experience is astounding, and he has gone from military aviation to elite sports medicine and now regenerative innovation.
However, his philosophy remains deeply rooted in his belief of respect for the body and accessible healing. While the tools and technologies he employs continue to evolve, his work represents a forward-thinking model of medicine—one that prioritizes safety, results, and the individual at the center of care.