Eric Stiefel, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates
About Eric Stiefel, MD
Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
Eric Stiefel, MD, is a sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Valdosta Orthopedic Associates in Valdosta, Georgia. He specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and the treatment of conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip.
Dr. Stiefel provides advanced orthopedic care for patients of all ages and activity levels—from elite athletes to weekend sports enthusiasts—helping individuals return to movement, performance, and everyday life with confidence.
Education & Training
A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Dr. Stiefel is a graduate of Valdosta High School and Valdosta State University (VSU). While at VSU, he was a member of the baseball team and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia and went on to complete his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Florida.
During residency, Dr. Stiefel was deeply involved in public health initiatives aimed at improving patient access to orthopedic care. He received national recognition for developing a healthcare policy education program for resident physicians.
In his final year of residency, he was selected as Administrative Chief Resident and participated in the ACGME Leadership Program. He also received several prestigious honors, including:
- Rosalie O. Saffos Scholarship (Resident-Teacher of the Year)
- Marshall Horowitz Award (Most Outstanding Orthopaedic Resident)
Dr. Stiefel completed his sports medicine fellowship through the combined Mississippi Sports Medicine Center and Tulane University Sports Medicine Fellowship Program (2012–2013), training under renowned shoulder and elbow surgeons Larry Field, MD, and Felix Savoie III, MD.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Stiefel is highly regarded for his expertise in arthroscopy and sports injury care, with a clinical focus that includes:
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery
- Shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip disorders
- Ligament and cartilage injuries
- Sports-related orthopedic injuries
- Advanced surgical techniques for active patients
He is recognized as a designated arthroscopic leader by the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
Leadership, Advocacy, & Professional Affiliations
Dr. Stiefel has held numerous leadership roles within orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. From 2013–2015, he served as the AANA-selected Health Care Policy Fellow, working on national initiatives supporting orthopedic patient access to high-quality care.
He currently serves as:
- Chief of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at South Georgia Medical Center
- Member of the Medical Executive Committee at SGMC
He is also actively involved in national and state orthopedic organizations, including:
- Georgia Orthopaedic Society (GOS)Membership Committee
- AAOSCCR Committee
- AAOSClinical Practice Guidelines Committee
- Chairman, Advocacy Committee for AANA
Dr. Stiefel was the first resident physician appointed to the Florida Orthopaedic Society’s Political Action and Legislative Committees.
Research & Publications
Dr. Stiefel has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and orthopedic medical texts, contributing to continued advancement in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.
Personal Interests
Dr. Stiefel is a native of Valdosta, Georgia, and is married to Samantha. Together, they have four children: Sarah Kathryn, Peyton Lynne, JR, and John.
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