About
Eric A. Eifler, MD – Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist for Knee and Shoulder Care
Dr. Eric A. Eifler is a recognized expert in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, with over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex knee and shoulder conditions. A board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist, Dr. Eifler has been honored as a Top Doctor in both Arizona and North Texas for his commitment to clinical excellence and patient outcomes.
He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
He is highly skilled in advanced, minimally invasive procedures including knee and shoulder arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction (such as ACL repair), and cartilage restoration using biologic therapies like PRP (platelet-rich plasma), stem cell injections, and allograft transplantation. Dr. Eifler provides comprehensive care for shoulder disorders including dislocations, instability, AC joint separations, labral tears, and rotator cuff injuries—helping patients return to peak performance with personalized, cutting-edge treatment plans.
Awards:
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor Arizona
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor North Texas
- Patient’s Choice Award
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition
Championing Recovery for Athletes and Active Individuals of All Ages
Dr. Eifler’s top priority is helping his patients return to the activities they love—whether that means supporting a Division I athlete, a weekend warrior, or a 45-year-old professional with a new orthopedic injury. With a focus on personalized care, he creates tailored treatment plans that promote optimal functional recovery based on each patient’s age, activity level, and lifestyle.
As the former Team Orthopedic Surgeon for Division I athletes at the University of North Texas, Dr. Eric Eifler brings elite-level sports medicine expertise to every patient encounter. He has also worked with top-tier programs including the University of Texas Longhorns, UCLA Bruins, UTSA Roadrunners, and the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Dr. Eifler defines success by putting the patient’s best interests first—whether it’s helping athletes return to peak performance or supporting individuals in achieving long-term joint health and mobility.
Dr. Eifler understands that recovery goals differ: a 40-year-old mechanic may require different treatment considerations than a 75-year-old retired teacher. His ability to align medical decisions with personal goals sets him apart as a trusted leader in orthopedic care.
While in Texas, Dr. Eifler played a vital role in helping high school athletes recover from serious shoulder and knee injuries—many of whom went on to earn Division I college scholarships in football, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, and softball. He has helped hundreds of collegiate athletes return to competitive play after injury.
His patients have gone on to receive prestigious collegiate athletic honors, including:
• Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year
• Sun Belt First Team All-Conference
• Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year
• Conference USA Defensive MVP
• All-Big 12 Defensive Second Team
• Conference USA All-Tournament Team
• Conference USA Top Goaltender
• Wuerffel Trophy Nominee
• Conference USA First Team All-Conference
• NSCAA First Team All-Region
Dr. Eifler’s exceptional reputation has led to appointments as Team Physician for organizations in the National Indoor Football League and the American West Hockey League. Trusted by coaches, athletes, and parents alike, he is known for his accurate diagnoses, effective treatment strategies, and commitment to long-term recovery and performance.
“Dr. Eifler has been our team doctor for nine years. He has treated my son and wife, the other coaches’ families, teachers and their families. We trust him because he speaks to our level. He treats everyone like his family; he does what is best for the kids, regardless what the coach wants. I respect that approach to care. When I have an injured player, I tell the mom and dad to do whatever Dr. Eifler says. I am not going to let him play until Dr. Eifler determines it’s safe for him to play. Dr. Eifler is going to treat your kid like he would his own.’”
– John Walsh, athletic director and head football coach, Guyer High School, Dallas; winner of two state football titles
A Track Record of Excellence in Orthopedic Medicine
Dr. Eric A. Eifler has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to excellence in academics, clinical training, and orthopedic practice. His distinguished educational journey is marked by numerous honors and awards that reflect both his dedication and high performance:
• Magna Cum Laude graduate
• UCLA Departmental Honors
• UCLA Honors Status
• Honors Thesis in Biomechanics
• UCLA Senior Merit Award
• Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society inductee
• Recipient of the Medical Dean’s Research Fellowship
• Most Outstanding Voluntary Faculty Award
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Eifler has shared his expertise through teaching, mentorship, and consultation at respected academic institutions, including:
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
• University of Texas Health Science Center
• Midwestern State University
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas–Pan American
• University of Ohio
• University of Wisconsin
• Texas Woman’s University
• Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Dr. Eifler remains actively involved in the orthopedic community and is a proud member of the following professional organizations:
• American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
• Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Arizona Medical Association
• Texas Medical Association
Lifestyle & Family
Outside of medicine, Dr. Eifler embraces the active Arizona lifestyle with his wife and three sons. Together, they enjoy outdoor adventures including basketball, golf, trail running, and snowboarding.
