What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.71
Average wait time
4.69
Bedside manner
4.69
“The team there is educated and professional. I actually felt listened to and appreciated their ability to break down what they thought was going on and why. Will absolutely recommend them.”
Amy M.February 25, 2026
“This Dr knew exactly what was wrong and how to treat it! He was kind and thorough. I highly recommend!”
Georgia S.October 29, 2025
About Dr. Erik Stark
Welcome to the practice of Dr. Erik Stark, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and a strong reputation for expert, compassionate care. Dr. Stark specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of shoulder and knee injuries. He combines the latest surgical techniques with advanced regenerative treatments—such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—to support faster recovery and long-term joint health.
A graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University with residency training at Boston University and sports medicine fellowship training in San Diego, Dr. Stark has earned several prestigious recognitions, including the Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Resident Achievement Award and the Edwin?G.?Bovill Best Paper Award from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. He is also proudly recognized as a “Top Doc” in 2020-2024.
Dr. Stark works closely with his dedicated physician assistant, Emily Sak, who plays an active role in both the clinic and the operating room, ensuring patients receive seamless, personalized care throughout their treatment journey. Together, they provide comprehensive and efficient orthopedic care tailored to each patient's needs.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Stark lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with his wife and two children. He’s passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and staying active.
Dr. Stark and his team see patients in Carlsbad. He welcomes new patients and looks forward to helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits.
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In-network insurances
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Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Pain in joint
Knee joint injury
Knee replacement
Joint injury due to trauma
Rotator cuff injury
Knee arthroscopy
Pain in joint
Knee joint injury
Knee replacement
Joint injury due to trauma
Office location
Orthopaedic Specialist of North County
6121 Paseo Del Norte, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Tri-City Medical Center
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Education and training
- Medical School - SUNY Upstate Medical University, Doctor of Medicine
- UNC Hospitals (Internship)
- Boston University Medical Center, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- The San Diego Knee Clinic, Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
Awards and publications
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- The Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Resident Achievement Award
- Edwin G. Bovill Award. Best Paper, OTA 2003. Stark, E.S., Tornetta, P 3rd, Creevy, W.C. Syndesmotic Instability in Weber B Ankle Fractures: A Clinical Evaluation.
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1376669572
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.71
Wait time
4.69
Bedside manner
4.69
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
17 reviews
Most relevant
This Dr knew exactly what was wrong and how to treat it! He was kind and thorough. I highly recommend!
October 29, 2025Georgia S.Verified patient
Dr . Eric Stark is excellent doctor - good listener , thoughtful advice .
November 12, 2025Marc S.Verified patient
The team there is educated and professional. I actually felt listened to and appreciated their ability to break down what they thought was going on and why. Will absolutely recommend them.
February 25, 2026Amy M.Verified patient
Excellent! Love Dr. Stark.
December 4, 2025Vicky B.Verified patient
I don't recommend at all. Waste of time
October 14, 2025Initials hidden
Great experience. Dr. Stark was personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in getting to the root of my issue. Highly recommend.
September 29, 2025Alexander T.Verified patient
Too early to tell.
September 13, 2025William T.Verified patient
Staff was friendly, office clean. Busy place but in the most positive way. Dr. Stark is outstanding. I consider myself fortunate. I previously thought I was best served by going to the big 'name brand' health care provider(s), who also have some pretty good people, but this has convinced me that there are other sources of help that are as good, and in this case proved far better. All good! Thank you Dr. Stark.
August 23, 2025Scott M.Verified patient
Efficient
July 18, 2025Helen A.Verified patient
March 12, 2026Stephanie A.Verified patient
January 16, 2026Steven S.Verified patient
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
January 8, 2026Initials hidden
October 15, 2025Joao M.Verified patient
September 30, 2025Sue K.Verified patient
September 1, 2025Jack A.Verified patient
July 23, 2025Karen I.Verified patient
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Erik Stark?
Generally, Dr. Erik Stark has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Stark's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Erik Stark accepting new patients?
Dr. Erik Stark generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Stark's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Erik Stark accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Stark is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Erik Stark online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Stark using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Erik Stark affiliated with?
Dr. Erik Stark is affiliated with Tri-City Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. Erik Stark work with?
Dr. Erik Stark works with Orthopaedic Specialist of North County.
Where is Dr. Erik Stark's office located?
Dr. Erik Stark's office is located at 6121 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011.
Which board certifications does Dr. Erik Stark have?
Dr. Erik Stark is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Erik Stark?
Dr. Erik Stark frequently sees patients for Knee Pain, Knee Problems, Shoulder Pain, Sports Injury, and X-ray. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Erik Stark on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Erik Stark speak?
Dr. Erik Stark speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Erik Stark in reviews?
17 patients have reviewed Dr. Erik Stark. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.71/5. They have a 4.69/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.69/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.