Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Dr. Bobby Chhabra, Chair of UVA Orthopedics joined Morning News and announced a familiar face is returning to Charlottesville, former UVA football captain John-Kevin Dolce. Dolce, who led the Cavaliers 15 years ago, has been selected for the highly competitive UVA Orthopedic Residency Program and will begin his internship this July. “We had over 1,000 applications for our five spots,” Chhabra said. “We’re fortunate to recruit him back to UVA.”

Chhabra shared his enthusiasm for having a former athlete return not only to UVA but specifically to orthopedics, a field that continues to attract former athletes. “I think orthopedics is a specialty that maybe appeals to a lot of former athletes because they dealt with orthopedic injuries during their career,” he said. Dolce, now older than most of his peers and a father, represents a unique addition to the residency, bringing both experience and a strong connection to the university.

The conversation also turned toward the shifting priorities in college athletics, with Chhabra expressing concern about how lucrative NIL deals and school payouts are affecting student-athletes’ educational paths. “I think we’re creating a division among the students now,” he said. “This is no longer about education.” Chhabra emphasized the need for transparency in distinguishing between athletes pursuing education and those primarily recruited for their on-field performance.

Listen to the full conversation here: