Dr. Erik Stark chose orthopedic surgery as a career because of his interest in mechanics and fascination with physical science. Athletic endeavors played a vital role as well. He graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse and performed his internship at the University of North Carolina Hospital. After completing an orthopedic surgical residency at Boston University Medical Center, he received an additional headof training at the San Diego Knee and Sports Medicine Research Fellowship. Here Dr. Stark was exposed to the full spectrum of cutting-edge techniques in the diagnosis and management of injuries of the shoulder and knee.
Dr. Stark has won many awards and honors, including the Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Resident Achievement Award. He participated in the American Orthopedic Association Emerging Leaders Program and has worked with the faculty at UCSD School of Medicine, training residents in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Stark is a faculty member at the San Diego Shoulder Institute and teaches advanced shoulder surgical techniques to doctors from around the world.
He is a member of the American orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and other professional organizations.
Dr. Stark has served as team physician for local high schools and colleges. He is the team physician for Mira Costa College, locally in Oceanside and Encinitas.
Dr. Stark has particular interest in martial arts. He has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past decade and has been the team doctor for numerous grappling tournaments.
Dr. Stark lives in Cardiff by the Sea with his wife and two children. In addition to Jiu Jitsu he enjoys snowboarding, weight-lifting and traveling with his family.
Orthopedic Specialists of North County (OSNC) was founded in Oceanside in 1965 and incorporated in 1973. Over the years, we have treated multiple generations of families, including parents, grandparents and great-grandparents for their orthopedic injuries and ailments.
Professional Data
- Licensure
California State Medical License
- Current Appointment
Orthopedic Specialists of North County
6121 Paseo Del NorteCarlsbad, CA 92011 - Board Status
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery
Board Certified Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Educational Background
- University
SUNY Binghamton B.S., Psychobiology, June 1996, Binghamton, New York
- Medical School
SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse M.D., June 2001, Syracuse, New York
- Internship
University of North Carolina Hospitals July 1, 2001 –June 30, 2002, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Specialty Training
- Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Boston University Medical Center
July 1, 2002 –June 16, 2006 - Fellowship
San Diego Knee and Sports Medicine Fellowship
August 1, 2006 –July 31, 2007
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
- Faculty Member San Diego Shoulder Institute
Team Coverage
Boston University Department of Athletics
Assisted Anthony A. Schepsis M.D. and Timothy A. Foster M.D., July 2002 –June 2006Southwest College Athletic Department
Assistant team physician for Southwest College football team in San Diego,
August 2006-2007Mira Costa Community College, Oceanside, CA
Team Orthopedic surgeon
2007-PresentOceanside High SchoolFootball, Oceanside, CA
Team Physician
2009-2016Gracie Barra Encinitas
Team Physician
2010-Present
Research and Publications
Stark E, Stucken C, Trainer G, Tornetta P 3rd. Compartment syndrome in Schatzkertype VI plateau fractures and medial condylar fracture-dislocations treated with temporary external fixation. J Orthop Trauma. 2009 Aug;23(7):502-6
Stark E, Tornetta P 3rd, Creevy WR. Syndesmotic instability in Weber B ankle fractures: a clinical evaluation. J Orthop Trauma. 2007 Oct;21(9):643-6.
Fithian D, Park S, Stark E. Proximal Realignment of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament. Operative Techniques in orthopedic Surgery, 1stEdition. 2010 Jul: Chap 52.
Presentations / Posters
Orthopedic Trauma Association, Podium, Presentation
Syndesmotic Instability in Weber B Ankle Fractures: A Clinical Evaluation.
Salt Lake City, Utah, October 10, 2003Orthopedic Trauma Association, Podium, Presentation
Compartment Syndrome in High Energy Plateau Fractures and Fracture Dislocations Treated with Temporary External Fixation.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, October 9, 2004.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Poster and Highlight Paper
Syndesmotic Instability in Weber B Ankle Fractures: A Clinical Evaluation.
San Francisco, California, March 10-14, 2004American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Poster
Compartment Syndrome in High Energy Plateau Fractures and Fracture Dislocations Treated with Temporary External Fixation.
3Washington, D.C., February 23-27, 2005
Awards
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.AOA-OREF-Zimmer Resident Leadership Forum, Huntington Beach, California, June 21-23, 2005
- Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Resident Achievement Award, 2006
Volunteer Service
San Diego County Medical Society
Project Access Orthopedic Surgeon
2012-Present