Boise State Athletics Mourns Dr. George A. Wade, Former Team Physician
6/11/2025 7:45:00 AM | General
Dr. Wade played pivotal role in the health and safety of Bronco student-athletes
BOISE, Idaho - Boise State Athletics mourns the loss of former team physician Dr. George A. Wade who was key to advancing the health and safety standards for Bronco student-athletes for six decades. He was 82 years old and is survived by his son Jim, daughter-in-law Laura and grandchildren Lucien, Jules and Zoe.
Dr. Wade moved to Boise in 1978 with the dream of starting an orthopedic practice specializing in sports medicine. He began his career with Dr. Richard Gardner, Idaho's first sports medicine orthopedist and the original Boise State team physician.
In 1979, Dr. Wade succeeded Dr. Gardner as the Broncos team physician and created Idaho Sports Medicine Institute (ISMI). The partnership between Dr. Wade, ISMI and Boise State took a monumental leap forward in 1984, when the clinic moved into its current space in Albertsons Stadium. This move created the first such arrangement in the United States: a privately-owned medical facility on a state-owned university campus. Under Dr. Wade's leadership, ISMI continued to grow into the model sports medicine clinic it is today.
"Dr. George Wade was more than a physician—he was a pioneer whose vision and leadership transformed the way we care for Bronco student-athletes," said Marc Paul, Associate Athletic Director, Sports Performance, Health & Wellness. "His commitment to innovation and excellence set a new national standard, and his legacy lives on through our continued partnership with ISMI and the countless lives he impacted over his six decades of service. Boise State Athletics is forever grateful for his dedication to the health, safety, and success of our teams."
Prior to practicing in Boise, Dr. Wade enjoyed an All-America career on the track and field team at Michigan. Dr. Wade attended medical school at Tennessee before returning to Michigan for an internship and two residencies. A fellowship in sports medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles was his last stop before landing in Boise.
Dr. Wade was inducted into the Boise State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
