From Strike Eagle to sidelines, Dr. Amy Wright brings an extraordinary résumé—and a steady hand—to Newport Polo.
F-15E Strike Eagle combat pilot. U.S. Air Force Captain. Surgeon. FEMA disaster medicine physician. Board-certified physician. And every Saturday, the doctor quietly leading Newport Polo’s fieldside medical team.
Meet Dr. Amy Wright, Newport Polo’s Medical Director, whose remarkable journey from fighter cockpit to medicine makes her uniquely suited to a sport where speed, risk and split-second decisions come with the territory.
From Mach 2 to Horsepower
Before watching polo ponies thunder down BD Field, Wright piloted the formidable F-15E Strike Eagle. During nine years as a U.S. Air Force officer, she also served as a Squadron Chief Safety Officer and strategic operations planner, including coordinating Kabul air defense during Afghanistan’s first democratic elections.
The experience taught her to remain composed when circumstances are moving very quickly—a skill that translates remarkably well to polo.
Since 2022, Wright has led Newport Polo’s fieldside team of RNs, paramedics and EMTs, prepared to care for thousands of spectators as well as athletes competing in one of the world’s fastest equestrian sports.
But her greatest success may be what doesn’t happen. Wright created a wellness and injury-prevention program for polo athletes and first responders that contributed to a reported 41% decrease in sports injuries during the season.
It’s a philosophy familiar to aviation and medicine alike: the best emergency is the one good preparation prevents.
Beyond the Sidelines
Wright continues that mission through Blue Skies Wellness DPC, her Aquidneck Island direct primary care practice, and her newest endeavor, Magpie Community Outreach.
Now in development, Magpie is envisioned as a welcoming “third space” for teens outside home and school—a place for connection, mentoring, wellness activities, practical skills and early support before isolation or distress becomes a crisis.
It reveals a common thread through an extraordinary career: prepare early, build strong teams, look out for one another and don’t wait for an emergency to act.
So while the ponies are saddled, Champagne chilled and thousands of spectators turn their attention to the opening throw-in, Dr. Amy Wright and Newport Polo’s medical team are already in position.
She may have traded Mach 2 for horsepower, but when everything starts moving fast, our Top Doc is right at home.