Eric Smith, MD

Meet Eric Smith, MD

Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialist Helping East Texans Return to the Activities They Love

Eric Smith, MD, is an orthopedic sports medicine physician at CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute in Tyler, Texas. He cares for sports-related injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of California, Irvine, and pursued advanced sports medicine fellowship training at Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. He helps athletes and active individuals recover, rebuild strength, and safely return to the activities they enjoy.

Career at a Glance

• Orthopedic Sports Medicine physician specializing in sports-related and musculoskeletal injuries
• Helped provide team and event coverage for the Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati, and the 2025 Cincinnati Open tennis tournament
• Joined CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute in Tyler in 2026

Clinical Role and Leadership

Dr. Smith provides comprehensive orthopedic care for athletes, active individuals, and patients recovering from injury. His experience includes covering and caring for the Cincinnati Bengals, Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati, and athletes at the 2025 Cincinnati Open tennis tournament. Working with rehabilitation specialists, athletic trainers, and other orthopedic professionals, he guides each patient from diagnosis through recovery and a safe return to sports, work, and daily life.

He provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Sports-related musculoskeletal injuries
• Athletic injuries requiring rehabilitation and return-to-play planning
• Bone injuries and fractures
• Ligament injuries
• Muscle and soft tissue injuries
• Joint injuries and orthopedic conditions
• Spine-related musculoskeletal conditions

What You Can Expect from Care with Eric Smith, MD

Dr. Smith begins by learning what each patient hopes to achieve. He then develops a practical care plan for the patient's injury, lifestyle, and level of activity. His goal is to help every patient make informed decisions, recover safely, and return to the activities that matter most.

You can expect:

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and activity goals
• Thorough evaluation of orthopedic and sports-related injuries
• Collaborative care with rehabilitation and therapy specialists
• Clear communication about treatment options and recovery expectations
• A focus on restoring mobility, strength, and long-term function

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care

As part of CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Smith practices within a state-of-the-art orthopedic environment designed to support comprehensive injury diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Patients have access to advanced orthopedic imaging, specialized rehabilitation services, sports performance programs, and coordinated musculoskeletal care, all within a single location dedicated to orthopedic excellence.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Dr. Smith has contributed to orthopedic and sports medicine research through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, posters, and ongoing clinical studies. His published work has examined topics including rotator cuff repair, postoperative knee stiffness, knee procedures, revision spine surgery, hip fracture complications, and tibia fractures. He has also presented research at regional and national orthopedic meetings and is currently involved in a study comparing arthroscopic and open reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint. This academic experience supports his use of current evidence to guide patient care.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Dr. Smith is committed to making specialized orthopedic care accessible to adults and young athletes across East Texas. By pairing clear guidance with coordinated treatment and rehabilitation, he helps people at every activity level work toward greater mobility, independence, and long-term health.