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. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, including treatment of rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral tears, biceps tendon disorders and arthritis.
Dr. Dopirak has extensive experience in the arthroscopic repair of complex rotator cuff tears, including revision surgery for prior repairs that have failed to heal properly. During his fellowship training in Southern California, he helped refine a surgical technique for arthroscopic reconstruction of massive rotator cuff tears using allograft tissue. This was published in Arthroscopy and is now used by shoulder specialists throughout the country.
Recognized for his expertise on the national level, Dr. Dopirak has accepted invitations to lecture, present research, or serve as a surgical instructor at more than 75 orthopaedic conferences. He has been a faculty member at courses sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and San Diego Shoulder Institute.
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.
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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)
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