Brian Shafer, MD

Brian Shafer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with specialized expertise in shoulder, elbow and knee arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. He brings over two decades of experience as an orthopedic surgeon in Arizona and currently serves as Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having previously served as team physician for the NHL Arizona Coyotes and NFL Arizona Cardinals. Dr. Shafer earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery internship and residency at the University of Washington and pursued fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Southern California. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

Dr. Shafer provides comprehensive orthopedic care with clinical interests in shoulder, elbow and knee conditions requiring arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. He offers specialized surgical procedures including total shoulder replacement, minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff and shoulder instability surgery, total knee replacement and minimally invasive arthroscopic knee reconstruction. His extensive experience as a professional baseball team physician for 20 years includes expertise in elbow arthroscopy and ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions, commonly known as Tommy John surgery.

Dr. Shafer's approach to orthopedic care centers on taking the time with each patient to maximize all non-operative treatments necessary to reduce pain and maintain an active lifestyle prior to recommending surgical intervention. When surgery is necessary, he combines his experience and surgical skills with his entire team's expertise to make the experience as easy as possible with the best possible outcomes. That level of care continues throughout the entire post-operative care period, ensuring comprehensive support from initial consultation through full recovery.

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Shafer has earned three World Series rings with the Los Angeles Dodgers as their team orthopedic surgeon. He has been married for 26 years and has two sons who are both very active in sports, bringing a personal understanding of the importance of keeping athletes of all ages healthy and performing at their best.