A Kentucky native, Dr. Abeln completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago in June 2009. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Louisville and is a 2004 graduate from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Abeln was a resident physician for the student athletes at the University of Illinois and the WNBA Chicago Sky. When asked about his own memorable sports experience Dr. Abeln recalls winning the Kentucky state football championship, “It felt great to be the best and to be rewarded for all the hard work and dedication our team had put into it.” Dr. Abeln and his wife, Tonya, recently moved to Santa Monica from Chicago. They enjoy college sports, traveling, celebrating the Kentucky Derby, and exploring Southern California. Following completion of his sports medicine fellowship, Dr. Abeln will be returning to Louisville to join a private practice focusing on sports medicine and will work with University of Louisville Athletic Department.
Stephan Pro, M.D.
Born and raised in the Kansas City area, Dr. Pro is a 2000 graduate of WakeForestUniversity where he competed on the intercollegiate track and cross‐country teams. In his senior year, he captained both teams and received several academic and athletic awards. His most memorable sports experience was the 5000 meter race at the ACC indoor track and field championships during his senior. He kicked past four other runners in the last 200 meters to finish second. After leaving WakeForest, Dr. Pro went on to receive his Medical Degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine and complete his residency at the University of Oregon.Dr. Pro’s interests include soccer (playing recreationally and watching Arsenal), running, road cycling, traveling and hiking with his family. Dr. Pro is fluent in French. His favorite vacation destination is the Pyrenees in France where he has family. He and his wife, Joni, have a 2‐year old daughter and are expecting their second child in September 2009.
Clint Soppe, M.D.
Dr. Soppe recently completed his orthopaedic residency at UCLA / HarborMedicalCenter. Born in Iowa, but raised in Texas, Dr. Soppe received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and his medical degree from the University of Texas, HoustonMedicalSchool. His interest in sports medicine evolved following a back injury he sustained while playing college baseball. In his spare time, Dr. Soppe appeared in the indie comedy, Extraordinary Barry: The Movie, playing the role of Ice Cream Patron #3. He is somewhat disappointed (some say bitter) about not winning an Oscar for his “stunning performance.” As a kid his sports hero was Troy Aikman who he says led the best football team in history to a Super Bowl victory. Dr. Soppe is married to Carrie. His recreational interests are varied and include basketball, wakeboarding, surfing, golf, skiing and bass/fly fishing.
