Andrew Pieleck, D.O.

Born and raised right here in Lynchburg, VA, Dr. Pieleck has deep roots in our community. A proud Virginia Tech graduate (Class of 2005 – Go Hokies!), he earned his osteopathic medical degree from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. His journey continued with residency training at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, followed by a prestigious Sports Medicine fellowship in Harrisburg, PA, under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Cordas, a founding member of the AOASM and former Penn State team physician.

Since 2013, Dr. Pieleck has been blending his expertise in Sports Medicine and Family Medicine to provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages. In 2018, he took the reins at Access Healthcare, continuing the mission started by Dr. David Smith in 2000. Today, he’s not only a dedicated physician but also the head team doctor for Appomattox, Heritage, Staunton River, Brookville, and William Campbell High Schools. He’s always open to teaming up with more schools to keep student-athletes performing their best and staying injury-free.

A Bit About Life Outside the Clinic

When he’s not seeing patients or cheering from the sidelines, Dr. Pieleck is all about family, faith, and the great outdoors. He’s been happily married since 2012 and is the proud dad of three awesome kids. A lifelong sports fan, movie buff, and Eagle Scout, Dr. Pieleck brings the same commitment and passion to his personal life that he does to his medical practice.

Board Certifications

• Family Medicine
• Sports Medicine
  

Education

Fellowship (2013)

• Specialization: Primary Care Sports Medicine
• Institution: Pinnacle Health System, Harrisburg, PA

Internship and Residency (2012)

• Specialization: Family Medicine
• Institution: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, VA

Medical School (2009)

• Degree: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Institution: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA

Undergraduate (2005)

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cum Laude
• Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA

Fellowship Experience

During his fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Pinnacle Health System, Dr. Pieleck gained extensive hands-on experience as a team physician, providing care for athletes at all levels. His responsibilities included event coverage, sports physicals, and managing injuries on and off the field.

Key highlights from his fellowship:

Team Physician:

• Lebanon Valley College (Event coverage, sports physicals, and weekly injury clinics)
• Harrisburg City Islanders (Professional Soccer Team)
• Multiple high schools in the Harrisburg area

Major Events Covered:

• PIAA 2012 State Football Championships (A-AAAA)
• Harrisburg Marathon (November 2012)
• Keystone State Games (August 2012)
• Senior Games (July 2012)
• LAX Fest (July 2012)
• Sports physicals at Penn State’s Harrisburg campus

Through this comprehensive training, Dr. Pieleck developed expertise in sports medicine and a deep understanding of athlete health and injury prevention, which he continues to apply in his practice today.

Volunteerism

Global Medical Brigades Mission – Honduras (March 2011)
Dr. Pieleck participated in a medical mission trip to Honduras, working with Global Medical Brigades to deliver essential healthcare services to underserved communities. During this mission, he provided primary care, treated acute illnesses, and helped educate locals on preventive health measures. This experience reflects Dr. Pieleck’s commitment to improving global health and serving those in need.

Primary Care Sports Medicine Conference – SMART Course (December 2010)
Dr. Pieleck volunteered at the Primary Care Sports Medicine Conference hosted by William & Mary College. He contributed to the Sideline Management Assessment Response Techniques (S.M.A.R.T.) Course, which focuses on equipping healthcare providers with advanced skills in managing sports-related injuries during events. This hands-on course reinforced his expertise in sideline care and injury management for athletes.

Professional Associations

• American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Member
• American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Member
• American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine Member
• American Academy of Family Physicians
  

Publications, Presentations, and Media Features

Dr. Pieleck is a sought-after speaker and contributor to the medical community. He has shared his expertise in sports medicine, men’s health, and holistic care through various publications, lectures, and media appearances.

Lectures and Presentations

• “The Elusive SI Joint” – VOMA Annual Conference, Roanoke, VA (2024)
• “Value-Based Care and Access: Preventing Unnecessary ED Visits and Readmissions” – VAFP Conference, Roanoke, VA (2022)
• “Bone Health” – Women’s Health Luncheon, The Bedford Columns, Bedford, VA (2013, 2014)
• “A Curious Case of Calf Pain” – Podium Presentation, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, Colorado Springs, CO (2013)
• “Posterolateral Corner of the Knee” – Keystone State Games Lecture Series, Harrisburg, PA (2012)

Publications

• “Ask the Expert Question: What is Apophysitis?” – Our Health Magazine (2016)
• “Ask the Expert Question: What is Reactive Arthritis?” – Our Health Magazine (2014)

Media Appearances

• “Hoverboard Injuries” – Featured on Health Check, WSET-TV, Lynchburg, VA (2016)
• “Norovirus Awareness” – WDBJ-TV, Lynchburg, VA (2013)
• “Village North – Bedford Clinic/Open House” – Interview on Living in the Heart of Virginia, WSET-TV, Lynchburg, VA (2013)

Dr. Pieleck has also contributed insights on topics like men’s health, bone health, outdoor activity, and sports injuries in various magazines and local media.

Research

Title:  “Comparing Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Season VSR Testing Among Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer Players as it Relates to History of Prior or In-Season Concussion”

Conducted By:  Dr. Andrew Pieleck, DO; Hallie Afentakis, PT, DPT; Pradeep Bansal, PT, DPT, OCS

Overview:  This research study focused on evaluating Visual Sensory Response (VSR) testing among high school soccer players, comparing results from different stages of the season (pre-season, mid-season, and post-season). The study explored how a player’s history of prior concussions or in-season concussions influenced their VSR performance, providing valuable insights into the impact of concussions on visual and vestibular function.

Significance:  The findings from this research contributed to a greater understanding of sports-related concussions and their effects on athletes. This work supports advancements in concussion management and reinforces the importance of preventive strategies and comprehensive post-injury care for young athletes.

Honors, Awards, and Positions

Professional Fellowships and Leadership Roles

• Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP)
• Recognized for exemplary contributions to osteopathic family medicine (November 3, 2023).
• Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM)
• Awarded for excellence in sports medicine and significant professional achievements (May 1, 2020).
• Delegate, ACOFP Congress of Delegates:
• Represented at the annual meetings
• March 29, 2023, and April 3, 2024

Team Physician Roles
Dr. Pieleck is deeply involved in supporting local athletes, offering sideline care, injury management, and preventive medicine as a team physician for:

• Appomattox High School (Appomattox, VA)
• August 1, 2021 – Present
• Heritage High School (Lynchburg, VA)
• August 1, 2024 - Present
• Virginia University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg, VA)
• August 1, 2019 – January 1, 2023
• Staunton River High School (Moneta, VA)
• July 1, 2014 – Present
• Brookville High School (Lynchburg, VA)
• August 1, 2018 – Present
• William Campbell High School (Naruna, VA)
• August 1, 2018 – Present

Additional Honors

• Eagle Scout (2001): Demonstrating leadership, discipline, and commitment to community service at a young age.