Dr. Alessi is a board-certified neurologist in private practice in Norwich, CT, since 1986. Prior to that he completed his neurology residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan. He is currently an associate clinical professor of neurology at the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Alessi first became involved in sports medicine when he worked as an athletic trainer while attending Manhattan College. In 1995 he began an affiliation with the New York Yankees which continues to the present. He has been a neurologic consultant to the Connecticut Defenders, the San Francisco Giants double A affiliate. In 1997 he was named to the consulting staff for the University of Connecticut Athletic Department. He is currently neurologic consultant to the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA. He chaired the Sports Neurology Section of the American Academy of Neurology and consults for the NFL Players Association.
Dr. Alessi became involved in the sport of boxing in 1997 when he was appointed as ringside physician for the Connecticut State Boxing Commission by Commissioner John Burns. He was also appointed to the athletic commissions of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. Since his appointments, he has worked tirelessly for the improvement of safety in the sport of boxing. Dr. Alessi was instrumental in the revision of the state guidelines requiring more stringent neurologic evaluation before anyone is allowed to participate in a boxing event in the state of Connecticut. He was named “Ringside Physician of the Year 2009" by the American Association of Ringside Physicians in recognition of his efforts. Dr. Alessi also publishes and lectures on various topics related to sports neurology. He writes a bi-weekly column, “Healthy Sports,” which appears in the Norwich Bulletin and is syndicated to GateHouse Media affiliates. His book, “Healthy Sports: A Doctors Lessons for a Winning Lifestyle,” is a compilation of many instructive columns. He can often be found at ringside where he has become a resource to referees when decisions regarding the continuation of boxing contests must be made.