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Ryan Dopirak, MD

Associate Professor

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Location

  • McKinley Health Center
  • 1271 N. 6th St.
  • Milwaukee, WI 53212

Specialties

  • Sports Medicine
  • Orthopaedic Surgery

McKinley Health Center

Moorland Reserve Health Center

Sports Medicine Center - Fitness Center

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.

Overview

Diseases and Conditions

  • Shoulder Instability
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Arthritis of the Shoulder
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Labral Tear of the Shoulder
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Bicep Tendon Disorders
  • Paralabral Cysts

Treatments and Services

  • Sports Medicine
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder
  • Bicep Tendon Stabilization
  • Labral Repair of the Shoulder
  • Treatment of Shoulder Dislocation
  • Repair of Paralabral Cysts

Patients Ages Seen

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Senior

Languages

  • English

Hospital Affiliations

  • Froedtert Hospital – Milwaukee

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery

Clinic Locations

McKinley Health Center

Sports Medicine Center - Fitness Center

Moorland Reserve Health Center
map of clinics' locations

Biography

Dr. Ryan M. Dopirak is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. His practice is devoted exclusively to the care of shoulder disorders, ranging from simple to highly complex. He specializes in arthroscopic shoulder surgery and has more than 20 years of experience treating rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral injuries, biceps tendon disorders, and arthritis.

A significant portion of Dr. Dopirak’s practice is dedicated to the management of complex rotator cuff tears, including revision surgery for recurrent tears. During his fellowship training, he helped refine a technique for arthroscopic reconstruction of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears using allograft tissue. This work, published in Arthroscopy, has been recognized as one of the 50 most impactful publications on massive rotator cuff tears. He has also been invited to teach at more than 50 national  orthopaedic conferences, where he has lectured, presented research, and served as a surgical instructor.

Dr. Dopirak earned a master’s degree in healthcare quality and safety and currently serves as Division Chief of Sports Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In this role, he leads the division’s clinical operations, strategic initiatives, medical education, and research.

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.
 

Education and Training

Doctor of Medicine - The Ohio State University College of Medicine - Columbus, OH (2000)
Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery - Mount Carmel Medical Center - Columbus, OH (2000-2005)
Fellowship in Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Medicine - Southern California Orthopedic Institute - Van Nuys, CA (2005-2006)

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