In a world where sports and show business constantly flirt with the risk of injuries and extreme physical demands, there’s a name known not just by athletes but also by Hollywood stars: Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Dubbed the “Doctor of Champions” and a “Los Angeles Super-Surgeon,” he has helped the world’s most famous athletes return to the arena, treated movie stars, and even cared for members of royal families. Read more on i-los-angeles.
Professional Journey
Neal ElAttrache was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, into a family of doctors. His father, Selim ElAttrache, a Syrian, was also a surgeon. From childhood, Neal was interested in sports, even winning the light-heavyweight college boxing championship during his university years.
Dr. ElAttrache graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. There, he completed his internship in General Surgery (1985–1986) and his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery (1986–1990).
Following his education, he completed a sports medicine fellowship under the mentorship of legendary surgeons Robert Kerlan and Frank Jobe—the founders of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. ElAttrache began his career there in 1990 and has remained one of the clinic’s leading physicians for over 30 years. He was also mentored by famous sports surgeon James Andrews, with whom ElAttrache shares a core philosophy: “to treat not just the body, but to restore a patient’s faith in their own abilities.”
He resides in Los Angeles near Benedict Canyon with his wife, Trish Flavin. He is the brother-in-law of Sylvester Stallone, who is married to Trish’s sister, Jennifer Flavin. Colleagues describe ElAttrache as a deeply empathetic person; many of his patients refer to him not just as a doctor but as a friend. His ability to provide moral support is valued as highly as his surgical talent.
Practicing in Los Angeles
Dr. ElAttrache practices at a state-of-the-art medical center near LAX, treating athletes, actors, and even politicians. He specializes in several orthopaedic subspecialties—shoulder, knee, ligaments, and sports injuries—and is regarded by peers as one of the world’s best specialists. He serves as the Head Team Physician for the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as an orthopaedic consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kings, and Ducks. Thanks to his work, athletes often return to a professional level within months of a severe injury—something that was considered impossible not long ago.
Dr. ElAttrache is a member of the Board of Directors of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and Chairman of the Board of its Foundation. He also co-chairs the Medical Affairs Department of the Kerlan-Jobe Institute, collaborating with Cedars-Sinai to advance orthopaedics and sports medicine globally. As Head Team Physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams, and Orthopaedic Consultant for the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Anaheim Ducks, he has earned a world-class reputation. In 2008, he served as a Senior Trauma Surgeon for the USOC at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
He has held leadership positions in numerous medical associations: he was President of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (2018), President of the Herodicus Society (2016–2017), a member of the executive committee for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Association, and Program Chair for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
A Roster of Global Star Patients
Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s patient list reads like a celebrity pantheon. He is trusted by the most famous athletes, actors, and even billionaires. His patients include Cam Akers, Odell Beckham Jr., Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, Joe Burrow, Conor McGregor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, Alex Morgan, Travis Scott, Ringo Starr, Charlize Theron, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Rodgers, Judd Apatow, Finneas, Ed Ruscha, Paul Reiser, Brooks Koepka, and others. It is also known that he has treated members of royal families and major business figures.
Among the most famous cases are the Achilles tendon reconstruction for Kobe Bryant, knee restoration for Tom Brady, and surgeries following severe ACL and MCL injuries for Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley.
One typical week of his off-site consultations included an NBA star, a future WNBA Hall of Famer, a tennis Grand Slam winner, a women’s soccer World Cup champion, an actor, several billionaires, and even a high-ranking member of a royal family. According to ElAttrache, this was a “fairly quiet week.” Many athletes seek ElAttrache during critical moments in their careers or lives. They describe him as someone with whom they can build a unique, trusting relationship.
His office features a whiteboard listing patients and exam rooms, and the walls are adorned with photos and notes from famous individuals, from Alex Morgan to Leonardo DiCaprio. The surgeon works meticulously, explaining every step of the treatment at the patient’s level. He personally monitors patients’ recoveries, including complex shoulder, elbow, and Achilles tendon surgeries, and analyzes MRI and X-rays himself. His patients often have follow-up exams at his Los Angeles home or at the teams’ stadiums. Furthermore, he conducts specialized training seminars for young orthopaedic surgeons and sports physicians, sharing knowledge on complex upper extremity injuries and rehabilitation techniques. ElAttrache combines outstanding medical skill with humanity and dedication. To his patients, he is not just a doctor but a person who can restore a career, health, and self-belief.
Scientific Contributions
Dr. ElAttrache is the author of over 40 textbook chapters, 100 scientific articles, 10 educational orthopaedic videos, and has given over 317 lectures at national and international conferences. He is a member of prestigious medical societies such as the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and the NFL Physicians Society.
His professional achievements have been repeatedly recognized in the U.S.:
- Top 10 Sports Medicine Doctors in America (Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report);
- Top 20 North American Shoulder Surgeons (Orthopaedic This Week);
- Top 70 North American Knee Surgeons (Becker’s Spine Review);
- Best Doctors in America (2007–2012);
- Super Doctors Southern California (2008–2011).
He is also ranked among the top orthopaedic surgeons in North America and the U.S. by Orthopedics This Week and Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review, and The Hollywood Reporter recognized him as one of Los Angeles’ best doctors.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache is more than just a surgeon. He is a symbol of modern sports medicine, combining scientific knowledge, humanity, and a belief in recovery. Thanks to him, thousands of athletes and celebrities have returned to the arena, stage, or set. He has proven that even after the most severe injuries, a return is possible if you have the right doctor by your side. Patients value his professionalism and his sincere interest in their lives and health. For him, being a surgeon is not just a job, but a privilege and a responsibility that inspires continuous improvement and service to people.