Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Inside the World of Elite Sports Medicine with Dr. Neal ElAttrache
Dec 11, 2025
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, shares his journey at Kerlan-Jobe and insights from decades of treating elite athletes. He discusses the evolution of surgical techniques driven by athletes' needs, highlighting innovations for quicker, safer recoveries. Mentorship plays a key role in his approach, emphasizing trust and communication with patients. Neal also reveals how advanced techniques like suture-bridge repairs have gained global adoption, transforming the future of orthopedic care.
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Choosing Los Angeles Changed His Career
- ElAttrache moved to Los Angeles for a sports fellowship and stayed 35 years because of mentorship and opportunity.
- He says the decision exceeded his expectations and he remains grateful for the career it enabled.
Mentorship Shapes Mastery
- Mentorship and focused repetition built Dr. Neal ElAttrache's expertise in sports orthopedics.
- He credits environment, mentors, and the 10,000-hour rule for achieving high-level skill and innovation.
Sports Medicine Drives Orthopedic Innovation
- Sports medicine now drives many major orthopedic advances because of elite athletes' extreme demands.
- Techniques proven in high-demand athletes translate to benefits across the general active population.