When it comes to sports, the players on the ice are only part of the story. Behind the scenes, there are many other key players who make a difference. One such person is Dr. Cindy Pfeiffer, the trauma doctor for the Los Angeles Kings. Since 2014, the NHL has required a physician to be present on the sidelines of games, and Pfeiffer is the one who fills that role for the Kings.
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Pfeiffer at her home in a quiet Los Angeles canyon. Although her day job as an emergency room doctor is anything but quiet, she still manages to find time for her hobbies. She’s an avid snowboarder, scuba diver, and even flies helicopters. She also rides her own Harley. Her husband, actor Chris Bruno, is a retired MMA fighter who now surfs.
Pfeiffer’s interest in medicine began while working in Africa with members of Doctors Without Borders. Her father also instilled in her a thirst for adventure, which led her to Canada in her teens where she discovered hockey, the country’s national sport. She admits that she is a terrible hockey player but loves the sport nonetheless.
As the Kings’ trauma physician, Pfeiffer is present at every home game. Her presence became even more crucial when NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the football field, reminding everyone of the importance of having a skilled trauma team.
But Pfeiffer’s life isn’t all work and no play. Together with her husband, she has a show in the works called Top Shelf, which explores adventures in sports medicine. In addition, she has taken on the role of ringside doctor for MMA fights.
Despite the Kings’ recent loss in Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers, Pfeiffer’s dynamic life serves as an inspiration to others. She continues to push boundaries and pursue her passions, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
