As a second-year medical student, I was invited to Los Angeles to observe the Lakers’ team physician perform shoulder surgery. I was amazed that the most complex joint in the body could be completely reconstructed arthroscopically, restoring a patient’s life through only a few small incisions. After completing my orthopaedic residency, I returned to Los Angeles for fellowship training under Dr. Stephen J. Snyder, a visionary and pioneer who helped shape the field of shoulder arthroscopy. My practice is devoted to the care of shoulder disorders, ranging from simple to highly complex. I believe in shared decision-making, as each patient has unique goals and functional demands. For many patients, nonsurgical treatment is the most appropriate first step. If surgery is required, we do not leave the operating room until the end result is as perfect as humanly possible. I love coming to work every day and consider it a great privilege when a patient places their trust in me by choosing me as their physician.
As a second-year medical student, I was invited to Los Angeles to observe the Lakers’ team physician perform shoulder surgery. I was amazed that the most complex joint in the body could be completely…
About
Dr. Ryan M. Dopirak is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. His practice is devoted exclusively to the care of shoulder disorders, ranging from simple to highly complex. He specializes in arthroscopic shoulder surgery and has more than 20 years of experience treating rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral injuries, biceps tendon disorders, and arthritis.
A significant portion of Dr. Dopirak’s practice is dedicated to the management of complex rotator cuff tears, including revision surgery for recurrent tears. During his fellowship training, he helped refine a technique for arthroscopic reconstruction of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears using allograft tissue. This work, published in Arthroscopy, has been recognized as one of the 50 most impactful publications on massive rotator cuff tears. He has also been invited to teach at more than 50 national orthopaedic conferences, where he has lectured, presented research, and served as a surgical instructor.
Dr. Dopirak earned a master’s degree in healthcare quality and safety and currently serves as Division Chief of Sports Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In this role, he leads the division’s clinical operations, strategic initiatives, medical education, and research.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Dopirak’s interests include fishing, hunting, strength training, basketball, and cooking on the Big Green Egg. Most of his free time is spent with his wife, three sons, and three Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Overview
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Education & Training
The Ohio State University College of Medicine - Columbus - OH - Doctor of Medicine - (2000)
Mount Carmel Medical Center - Columbus - OH - Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery - (2000-2005)
Southern California Orthopedic Institute - Van Nuys - Fellowship in Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Medicine - (2005-2006)
Board Certifications
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