This doctor is very knowledgeable, he explained everything to me and took the time to listen to my worries and knee problems. I would definitely recommend him. I saw different doctors before I found him.
August 6, 2015Initials hidden
Seems very competent & knowledgeable. Gave me good advice which has vastly improved if not cured my condition. Not quick to prescribe drugs or aggressive treatment which is a good thing.
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Knee joint injury
Inflammation or injury of the tendons or ligaments in the arm
Joint injury due to trauma
Disorders of the thoracic spine
Arthritis
Total shoulder replacement
Knee joint injury
Inflammation or injury of the tendons or ligaments in the arm
Joint injury due to trauma
Disorders of the thoracic spine
More about Dr. Brian Shafer, MD
Dr. Shafer is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and holds an additional Subspecialty Certification in Sports Medicine.
After receiving an undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Shafer completed medical school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. After a surgical residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Shafer completed a prestigious fellowship at the University of Southern California with a particular focus in sports medicine and shoulder and elbow reconstruction. Dr. Shafer is an expert in minimally invasive shoulder, elbow, and knee arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery.
Because of his particular interest in sports medicine, Dr. Shafer has served as the Team Physician for multiple professional and college sports teams including the National Champion USC Football and Women's Volleyball teams, and was on the medical staff of the Summer X Games, Pac 10 Basketball Tournaments, NCAA Volleyball Tournaments, and the Arizona Cardinals. Currently, Dr. Shafer is the Spring Training Team Physician and a Team Orthopedic Surgeon for Major League Baseball's (MLB) Los Angeles Dodgers and Associate Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the National Hockey League's (NHL) Phoenix Coyotes. He is the Chairperson of the Medical Staff for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and Insight Bowl games, and is a member of the Justin Sports Medicine Team, which entails providing medical expertise for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos in Arizona.
As a native Arizonan, Dr. Shafer is very committed to serving his community. He volunteers his time as the team physician for several local high schools, providing pre-season physicals and covering games on Friday nights.
Education & experience
Education
Medical School - Johns Hopkins University
University of Washington, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
University of Southern California, Fellowship in Sports Medicine
University of Southern California, Fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction
Practice
Arizona Bone and Joint Specialist
Affiliation
Scottsdale Healthcare Shea
Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak
Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Professional memberships
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Awards and publications
Top Doc in the Valley
Background
Languages spoken
English
Gender
Male
NPI number
#1750330130
Brian Shafer does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.64
Wait time
3.94
Bedside manner
4.65
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50 reviews
Most relevant
Finally a Dr. who was upfront and cut to the chase on my medical situation. Thank you Dr. Shafer!
June 10, 2015Debra C.Verified patient
He was very professional! Very informative! His assistant Kathy was awse!!! Thanks!
April 2, 2014Lisa T.Verified patient
Very efficient, very straightforward, very detailed in his explanations and diagnosis.
More than 1 year agoWilliam D.Verified patient
It was great. He seemed very competent and the assistants were nice and efficient.
July 7, 2014Annajo M.Verified patient
Thoughtful, quick, good staff, little waiting, sound diagnosis and treatments advice.
March 16, 2013Initials hidden
Very thorough and professional! Took the time to explain and answer my questions!
August 5, 2012Initials hidden
Dr. Shafer was professional, kind and went over everything with me.
May 1, 2014Michele H.Verified patient
Very nice doctor, knowledgeable and honest. Would recommend.
January 24, 2013John B.Verified patient
Very personable and took time to answer all questions.
More than 1 year agoMary S.Verified patient
Terse. Recommended stretching and see him in a month.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Good visit, just had to wait too long unfortunately
March 12, 2015Initials hidden
I was looking for more answers and did not get them.
December 23, 2013Initials hidden
This doctor is very knowledgeable, he explained everything to me and took the time to listen to my worries and knee problems. I would definitely recommend him. I saw different doctors before I found him.
August 6, 2015Initials hidden
Seems very competent & knowledgeable. Gave me good advice which has vastly improved if not cured my condition. Not quick to prescribe drugs or aggressive treatment which is a good thing.
July 13, 2015Jim W.Verified patient
He was great. No unnecessary tests. Very straight forward and to the point. In and out, including X-rays in less than 40 minutes.
June 4, 2015Jean R.Verified patient
The first appointment was ok with Brian, but even then he was in a hurry to get me on my way.
I went for a follow up visit and the technician said the doctor wanted to do another x-ray. I told him that nothing has changed since doing an x-ray 6 weeks ago and I would rather not have that extra expense. Technician said I would have to do an x-ray. I told him no that I would not. Dr. Brian came into the room finally and said he was confused and no I would not need to do another x-ray. I am sure the readers can draw their own conclusions on this.
Dr. Brian then immediately grabbed my pinky finger after I just took it out of the splint after 6 weeks and he started moving it around forcefully, causing me immense pain. I asked him to please take it easy and he pushed his rolling stool away from me and said if you won't let me move it around you'll have to go to a hand therapist. I asked him to be patient and just give me a little bit of time as it just came out of the splint.
Dr. Brian kept stating he would write a prescription to a hand therapist and I could go and see them or not, it was my choice. Brian was with me less than 5 minutes and left the room as I was still asking him questions. My finger has now healed crooked after me following what he said, but he would not give me the courtesy of answering the rest of my questions.
I do not recommend this doctor under any circumstances.
July 1, 2015Stephen L.Verified patient
Doctor was not particularly friendly and obviously in a hurry to finish the appointment in as little time as possible. Would not go back to that office.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I had previously seen 2 other surgeons who both recommended a specific type of artificial shoulder due to a failed rotator cuff repair from years before. I had pretty much decided on surgery with the 2nd doctor when I heard of Dr Shafer - excellent education, professional sports affiliations, great reputation, etc. He talked me out of getting surgery until the pain becomes unbearable. My problem is limited motion and mild pain. His reasoning: 1).this type of surgery fails about 5% of the time leaving one with a useless shoulder that cannot be repaired, 2). This kind of artificial shoulder is new - no one knows how long it will last. 3). The surgery would not allow playing tennis at all, and would not help my golf swing 4) the longer I wait, the more discoveries and improvements will be made and the better the outcome I can expect..
I am so thankful I met Dr Shafer and I will return to him for surgery only when I absolutely must. It is refreshing to find a doctor who thinks first of his/her patient, not his/her income.
May 7, 2015Samantha B.Verified patient
The entire experience was excellent. Dr. Shafer was straight forward and very logical. He apologized for the wait but I was grateful that I was able to get an appointment with very short notice. I would recommend Dr. Shafer to everyone.
February 12, 2015Rick R.Verified patient
Dr. Shafer was very professional. He talked to me long enough to feel confident in his diagnosis and description of treatment. I would feel very comfortable referring friends to Dr. Shafer.
January 29, 2015Initials hidden
Honest and straight to the point.
January 23, 2015Initials hidden
Dr Shafer was very thorough in his exam and was very straight-forward with his diagnosis. His assistant, Kathy, was knowledgeable and friendly. The office staff and Kathy were extremely apologetic about the extended wait time.....most likely due to an emergency. I would highly recommend Dr. Shafer to other patients.
January 21, 2015Tracey M.Verified patient
I thought that Dr Shafer was very pleasant and provided me with all of the details concerning my situation, as well as options that are available. I would definitely recommend him to others.
November 21, 2014Jon S.Verified patient
It was kind of impersonable. I am really not sure why my knee can give me so many problems and it may be my back that is causing it all. Although, my back does not bother me.
October 26, 2014Sharon G.Verified patient
personable and knowledgeable doctor
November 13, 2014Steve A.Verified patient
Excellent. Took time to answer all my questions.
August 19, 2013Al K.Verified patient
Long wait for short visit.
December 4, 2013Initials hidden
Very impressive professional . Took the necessary time to fully inform us. He is obviously very well trained and has a wealth of experience.
January 18, 2013Frank P.Verified patient
Dr. Shafer is an excellent orthopedic physician who recommended a very reasonable and properly cautious and stepwise approach to treatment of my injury.
June 26, 2013Initials hidden
Professional and thorough. Took the time necessary to explain treatment options after evaluating the symptoms. Nothing left unanswered.
April 9, 2013Initials hidden
for major trauma he seems an excellent resource.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Everyone in the office is very competent and professional. Dr. Shafer is an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon whom I would highly recommend to anyone.
More than 1 year agoDV
July 2, 2015Anthony C.Verified patient
April 22, 2015Patrick T.Verified patient
March 12, 2015Randall G.Verified patient
March 4, 2015Julie O.Verified patient
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July 18, 2014Gyoo-cheol B.Verified patient
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November 19, 2013Linda P.Verified patient
March 12, 2013Lisa M.Verified patient
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Frequently asked questions
Which hospital is Dr. Brian Shafer affiliated with?
Dr. Brian Shafer is affiliated with Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak.
Dr. Brian Shafer has 2 office locations, including in Phoenix and Scottsdale, view full addresses on Dr. Shafer's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Brian Shafer have?
Dr. Brian Shafer is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Brian Shafer?
Dr. Brian Shafer frequently sees patients for Knee Problems, Orthopedic Consultation, Orthopedic Follow Up, Shoulder Problem, and Sports Injury. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Brian Shafer on their profile.
50 patients have reviewed Dr. Brian Shafer. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.64/5. They have a 4.65/5 rating for bedside manner and a 3.94/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.