Unveiling Dr. Neal ElAttrache: Renowned Sports Surgeon for Aaron Rodgers and Shohei Ohtani
Feb
Few surgeons achieve nationwide recognition, but Dr. Neal ElAttrache stands as one of those whose name resonates with the general public. His expertise in handling high-profile athletes and conducting various sports-related procedures has elevated him to prominence.
Dr. ElAttrache played a pivotal role in the recovery of notable athletes, including Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Rodgers specifically credited Dr. ElAttrache for operating on his torn Achilles, emphasizing the surgeon’s crucial role in his rehabilitation.
In addition to Rodgers, Dr. ElAttrache conducted surgery on Ohtani’s elbow, marking the second time he operated on the talented phenom. He previously performed Tommy John surgery on Ohtani in 2018, expressing confidence in Ohtani’s successful recovery during an interview with The Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache: A Brief Profile
Dr. ElAttrache serves as an orthopedic surgeon at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, where he has been an integral part of the medical team since 1990. He holds the position of head team physician for both the Dodgers and the Rams, while also serving as an orthopedic consultant to the Los Angeles Kings, Lakers, and Ducks.
His academic journey includes graduating from Notre Dame in 1981 and earning his medical doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. Dr. ElAttrache completed his general surgery internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Pittsburgh before joining the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in 1990 as a sports medicine fellow. Following his fellowship, he became a full-time member of the clinic.
Dr. ElAttrache’s extensive career involves consulting for various football teams, committee memberships, and leadership roles in orthopedic societies. He has been recognized among the Top 10 Sports Medicine Doctors in America by reputable sources, including Baseball Prospectus, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. His contributions to the medical field have resulted in numerous accolades, including listings in America’s Top Doctors, Best Doctors in America, Super Doctors in America, and more.
Notable Patients and Achievements
Operating in Los Angeles, Dr. ElAttrache has become the surgeon of choice for numerous high-profile clients. Beyond Rodgers and Ohtani, he mended Kobe Bryant’s Achilles and performed surgeries on Tom Brady, Zack Greinke, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlize Theron, and Ringo Starr. Notably, he handled Joe Burrow’s torn ACL and MCL, Saquon Barkley’s torn ACL, Chris Sale’s Tommy John surgery, and Kelsey Plum’s torn Achilles, all in the year 2020 alone, showcasing the breadth of his expertise.