From Curveballs to Comebacks: How Dr. Pifel Heals Passion Thru Orthopedic Surgery
- Ella S
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17
What do soccer injuries, video games and arthroscopic surgery have in common? Dr. Eric Pifel.
The Early Days: From Athlete to Orthopedic Surgeon
Growing up in a small town in Ohio, Dr. Pifel didn’t always know he wanted to go into medicine. His childhood dream? Baseball. “That didn’t work out,” he said with a laugh. After switching his college major 2-3 times, starting with biomedical engineering, he eventually realized his true calling might be medicine. Originally planning to become a family doctor, he later discovered his passion for orthopedics through sports medicine.
A lifelong athlete who played baseball and soccer into college, Dr. Pifel spent much of his early years in training rooms. “I had a lot of injuries. And those physicians, trainers and therapists showed me a path I could see myself on.” What started as personal recovery transformed into a professional purpose.
One ACL, One Goal, One Signed Ball
In over 20 years of practice, Dr. Pifel has helped hundreds of athletes return stronger. But one patient story stands out.
A professional soccer player from outside the U.S. tore his ACL during the season and stayed in the States to recover, entirely alone. He leaned heavily on Dr. Pifel and his team during rehab. In the first 5 minutes of his first game back, he scored a goal. Then he turned, ran to the sideline, signed the ball and handed it to Dr. Pifel.
“That moment really stuck with me,” he said. “I don’t expect anything in return from patients. Just seeing them get back to what they love, that’s the reward.”
Why Minimally Invasive Surgery Is a Game-Changer
Dr. Pifel specializes in minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, which allows him to operate through smaller incisions using advanced cameras and tools. The benefits? Less trauma, faster recovery, smaller scars and less pain.
“Back when I was in med school, ACL surgery involved large incisions,” he explained. “Now, with this technology, we can do the same procedure with much less disruption to the body.” It’s better for patients and easier for the surgeon, too.
Personalizing Treatment for Every Patient (Especially the Flexible Ones)
While many surgeries follow standard procedures, Dr. Pifel emphasized that treatment must always be tailored, especially for athletes in sports that require flexibility, such as gymnastics, ballet or dance.
“Gymnasts need to be strong, flexible and stable. That’s a tough combination,” he said. “If I repair a hip for a football player, I can let them get stiff and still be high-performing. But for a gymnast? If they lose flexibility, they can’t compete.”
Customizing each recovery plan is what makes the difference between returning to sport, or not.
Managing Chaos with Discipline and Joy
With roles as a surgeon, teacher, team physician and national speaker, I asked Dr. Pifel how he manages his energy.
He credits his roots in farm country. “I learned early to get up before everyone else. Create a regimen. Stick to it. And if you fall off, find your way back.” He also emphasized the importance of building in small moments of joy. For him, that means reading, watching a goofy TV show or playing video games.
“Even if it’s just 15 minutes, that mental reset matters,” he said.
What Future Surgeons Need to Hear
When I asked what advice he’d give to high schoolers who want to be surgeons but aren’t sure they’re cut out for it, he didn’t sugarcoat it.
“You won’t know until you experience it. Can you handle blood? Chaos? Do you have manual dexterity?” For him, growing up playing the piano, woodworking and using tools helped develop the skills he now uses every day in the operating room.
He encouraged shadowing and observation, even in high school. “TV surgery isn’t real surgery. Talk to doctors. Watch them work. Then decide.”
The Hardest Part of Medical School (Hint: It’s Not the Classes)
“Everyone tells you medical school is hard, but not why,” Dr. Pifel said. “The truth is, the concepts aren’t difficult. It’s the volume.”
After balancing sports, work and volunteering in college, he thought he had time management figured out. Medical school proved otherwise.
Learning how to handle massive amounts of information while still maintaining a life was the biggest challenge.
What Keeps Him Going After 20+ Years
After all this time, what still excites Dr. Pifel?
“The patients,” he said. “Seeing someone smile because they can finally hike again or play a sport, that’s everything.”
He recounted a recent case of a patient who had been unable to walk comfortably for two years. She is now ecstatic to be able to hike a national park.
“I didn’t become the athlete I dreamed of,” he said. “But I help others get back to theirs. That’s the gift.”
Final Thoughts: Take More Chances
If Dr. Pifel could go back and give his 15-year-old self advice, it would be this: “Take more chances. Try more things. Worry less about what people think.”
From a small-town Ohio kid who dreamed of the MLB to a surgeon helping others chase their dreams, Dr. Pifel shows that your path doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest.
Watch my full interview with Dr. Pifel on YouTube here and follow @WhiteCoatWonders1 on Instagram here for behind-the-scenes content and more inspiring physician stories!
Until next time, thanks for reading, and keep learning.
– Elioenai!
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