Interview with Dr. Eric Wait
Guest Name: Dr. Eric Wait, MD Pediatric Surgery Orthopaedics
Guest Credentials: Medical Specialties: Orthopedic Surgery Residency Institution: Orthopaedics, Texas Tech Health Science Center Medical School
Name: University of Texas Health Science Center (San Antonio) Board
Certifications: Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship Name: Pediatric Orthopedics, University of Utah Medical Center
Discussion Details: The Journey From Injury to Inspiration: A Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon’s Story
In this episode, Dr. Eric Wait, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon shares his journey from a significant injury at 14 years old to becoming a specialist in a challenging medical field. The narrative covers the academic aspirations, challenges of medical school, and the rewarding nature of pediatric orthopedics. Highlighted are misconceptions about orthopedic surgery, the importance of early injury diagnosis, and the crucial role physical therapists play in recovery. He also addresses common injuries in young athletes and emphasizes the importance of proper technique, fitness, and injury prevention.
00:00 A Life-Changing Injury
00:26 The Road to Medical School
00:39 Pursuing Orthopedic Surgery
00:49 Baseball and Orthopedics
01:01 Philosophy and Motivation
01:21 Pediatric Orthopedics
01:45 Challenges in Orthopedic Surgery
02:14 Common Misconceptions
02:27 Importance of Early Care
02:51 Preventing Injuries
03:06 Epidemic of Ulnar Collateral Injuries
03:36 Approach to Surgery
03:55 The Role of Physical Therapists
Benefits of Watching: The Journey From Injury to Inspiration: A Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon’s Story
Address of Guests Business: 3533 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Welcome back everyone to another episode of the Coastal Bend Spotlight Series. I’m Dr. Anthony Avila, and today I’m excited to be joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Eric Wait. Dr. Wait, thank you for being here with us today.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Of course. I know that you’re with Orthopedic Associates here in Corpus Christi, but before we get into that, can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you into orthopedics?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Sure. I’m originally from Corpus Christi, born and raised here. I went to Carroll High School and later Texas A&M University. I did my medical school training at Texas Tech, then orthopedic residency in Lubbock. After that, I did a sports medicine fellowship in Dallas. I’ve always loved sports and helping people stay active, so orthopedics was a natural fit for me.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s awesome. You’ve really come full circle coming back home to serve your community. What areas do you mainly focus on in your practice?
Dr. Eric Wait:
I mainly focus on sports medicine—shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. But being in general orthopedics, I also take care of fractures and arthritis issues, so I see a wide range of patients from kids to older adults.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Nice. You mentioned sports medicine — can you talk about some of the common injuries you treat or see often?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Sure. For shoulders, rotator cuff injuries and labral tears are really common. For knees, ACL tears and meniscus injuries. A lot of these come from sports or physical activity, but we also see them in everyday life — someone tripping on stairs, lifting something overhead, that sort of thing.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That makes sense. You know, one thing we see in physical therapy is that sometimes patients wait too long before getting treatment. What’s your perspective on that?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah, that’s a big one. The longer people wait, the harder it becomes to get them back to normal. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. Physical therapy is a huge part of recovery, and often patients can avoid surgery if they start therapy soon enough.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Exactly — we always emphasize early movement and rehab. Speaking of which, how do you decide when a patient needs surgery versus when therapy might be enough?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Good question. It really depends on the type of injury and the patient’s goals. For example, a complete ACL tear in a young athlete who wants to return to sports — that’s likely surgical. But a middle-aged patient with a partial tear who just wants to stay active — that’s someone I might send to therapy first. It’s all about individualized care.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s a great approach, really considering the person’s goals. Now, when it comes to recovery after surgery, what are some key things patients should keep in mind?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Patience and consistency are huge. A lot of patients think surgery fixes everything instantly, but really, surgery just sets the stage — rehab is what gets you better. You can have the perfect surgery, but if you don’t put in the work in therapy, you won’t get a good result. So being consistent with exercises and following the plan is essential.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Absolutely. That’s something we preach all the time in the clinic — that therapy is where the real work happens. On that note, do you find certain patient habits or mindsets that lead to better outcomes?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah, definitely. The ones who stay positive and are willing to work tend to do the best. It’s also important for them to understand the process — that recovery takes time. The ones who see it as a partnership between themselves, their therapist, and their surgeon — they get better faster and stay better longer.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s so true. You mentioned partnership — it’s really a team effort. From our end, communication with the surgeon makes a big difference too. When we know exactly what was done during surgery and what the restrictions are, we can tailor the therapy better.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yes, communication is key. I try to keep close contact with therapists because you guys are the ones seeing the patient regularly. You notice the little changes — the stiffness, the swelling, or if something doesn’t seem right. That feedback helps me adjust the plan if needed.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Right, it’s that feedback loop that helps us catch issues early. And speaking of issues, what are some mistakes you see patients make during recovery that could slow them down?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Overdoing it too soon is a big one. People feel good after a few weeks and think they’re ready to do everything again — and that’s when they re-injure themselves. The other one is not doing enough — skipping therapy sessions or home exercises. You really need that balance between rest and movement.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Yeah, that’s a perfect point. We see both ends of that — people who push too hard and people who aren’t consistent enough. What’s your advice for maintaining that balance?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Listen to your therapist. (laughs) Seriously, you guys know the pace they should go. And communicate — if something hurts too much or feels off, tell your therapist or doctor. Don’t just push through it or ignore it. We’d rather adjust early than deal with a setback later.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s great advice. Now, switching gears a bit — let’s talk about younger athletes. We’ve been seeing more kids and teens come in with overuse injuries. From your perspective, what’s contributing to that trend?
Dr. Eric Wait:
A big part of it is early specialization. Kids today are playing one sport year-round, which puts repetitive stress on the same muscles and joints. Back when we were younger, most kids played multiple sports — baseball in the spring, football in the fall, basketball in the winter — and that variety gave their bodies time to recover and develop different skills.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Yeah, that’s definitely something we’re seeing too. And then there’s the increase in travel leagues, tournaments, and private training on top of school sports. There’s hardly any downtime.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Exactly. And downtime is when the body repairs itself. Without rest, those little micro-injuries can build up into something bigger — stress fractures, tendinitis, or growth plate issues. It’s important for parents to realize that more isn’t always better.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s such an important point. So how do you recommend parents help their kids avoid those overuse injuries?
Dr. Eric Wait:
I’d say encourage them to mix it up — play different sports, do some cross-training, and make sure they get a few months off from their main sport every year. Also, teach them to listen to their bodies. Pain is not weakness — it’s a signal that something needs attention.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Absolutely. And I think education is a big part of that — for both parents and coaches. Sometimes the competitive drive makes people push too hard.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Right, and I get it — everyone wants their kid to get a scholarship or make the varsity team. But long-term health has to come first. The kids who play smart and take care of their bodies are the ones who last.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s great insight. And speaking of long-term health, sometimes parents or athletes aren’t sure when to seek help. From your perspective, when should someone come in to get an injury checked out rather than trying to just “play through it”?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Good question. I’d say anytime pain is persistent — especially if it’s affecting performance or daily activities — it’s worth getting looked at. A lot of times people wait too long because they think it’ll just go away, but that delay can turn a small issue into a big one.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Right, and sometimes even a simple tweak or sprain can turn into a chronic problem if it’s not addressed early.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Exactly. The earlier we can evaluate and start treatment, the faster and easier recovery usually is. And not everything needs surgery — a lot of cases respond really well to physical therapy, rest, and activity modification.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s a great point. Sometimes people think that if they go to an orthopedist, surgery is inevitable, but that’s not always the case.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Not at all. My job is to get people better using whatever tools make the most sense — and most of the time, that’s conservative care. I always tell my patients, surgery is just one tool in the toolbox.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
I love that. And it’s such a collaborative process too — between you as the orthopedist and our team of physical therapists, it really takes everyone working together to help patients recover fully.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Absolutely. That partnership is key. We rely on physical therapy to build back strength, flexibility, and confidence after injuries. It’s where the real progress happens.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That collaboration is huge. It’s so helpful when everyone’s on the same page for the patient’s recovery.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Definitely. And I think communication between all of us — the doctor, therapist, and family — makes the biggest difference in outcomes.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
I couldn’t agree more. So, shifting gears a bit — from a parent’s perspective, when a kid has an injury or pain, what’s your advice on when to bring them in versus just giving it time?
Dr. Eric Wait:
If pain is lasting more than a few days, if it’s getting worse, or if it’s affecting their ability to participate in activities they normally enjoy, it’s time to have it checked. Also, if there’s swelling, bruising, or they can’t put weight on it, don’t wait. It’s always better to get reassurance than to risk something more serious.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s great advice — especially for parents who might second-guess themselves.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Exactly. A lot of times parents know something isn’t right. Trust that instinct. It’s better to come in and hear “it’s nothing major” than to miss an opportunity for early treatment.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Good reminder. Sometimes those instincts really do catch things early.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Right. And when kids are motivated — especially athletes — they might try to hide pain because they don’t want to miss games or practices. That’s why it’s important for parents to keep an eye on changes in movement, attitude, or performance.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
From a parent perspective, there were a lot of times where maybe your kid goes to the playground and they fall a little harder off the monkey bars. They have an injury at a football game, but you know — is it a bruise, or how severe is that injury?
What I would ask is, what can happen when patients wait too long to seek care? Or have you found ways to guide parents on how to better know when to seek that care?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah, I guess knowing your kid really matters. Some kids can be dramatic, but even then — if the pain or issue isn’t gone within a couple of days, or if there’s something they normally love doing but they don’t want to because it hurts — that’s worth taking seriously.
It’s tough to give one clear answer because it depends. If it’s a growth plate injury — which is hard to tell — the sooner we see them, the better.
Obviously, if there’s a major deformity, or they can’t walk on it, you’ll probably seek care right away. But most of the time, if you’re questioning it, it’s likely something I’d treat non-operatively anyway. So you’re probably okay to come in and just have it checked.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
So, knowing your kid is what I’m hearing — and paying attention to patterns. If there’s any change in their behavior, that can be a signal. And if you’re unsure, that’s what you guys are there for.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah, for sure. You know, sometimes people come up to me in the community, hold up an arm, and ask, “Hey, does this look broken?” — and it can look perfectly fine but still be broken underneath. You really can’t tell without getting it checked.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
For sure — that’s why you’ve got to go through the process and get them in when you’re unsure, like you mentioned.
You have to go through the process, get them in when you’re unsure — like you mentioned — and know your kid, pay attention. You have that kind of parent instinct about things, and those are all good points around that for sure.
Alright, so from a kid’s perspective — sometimes you have very motivated kids who are trying to do everything they can to stay healthy, maybe stay active in their sport or just avoid injuries. What’s one simple step they can take today to prioritize their health, even before they get injured or have to call your office?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Make sure your technique is good — whatever you’re doing. Whether it’s running, throwing, jumping, or landing — technique is incredibly important.
I’m thinking mostly of throwers here, because they’re the ones who tend to come in with repetitive injuries that are preventable. When kids hit around 10 to 14 years old — depending on if they’re male or female — they need to start stretching more, and they don’t, because they’re still kids.
So I see a lot of aches and pains that come from lack of flexibility — especially in stronger, more athletic kids. Being limber can prevent a lot of injuries.
And something that’s been studied a lot in injury prevention — and this one stings for a lot of people in South Texas — is being a multi-sport athlete. Taking time off from your main sport is huge.
Especially for baseball players and throwers — they love to play year-round, but being a multi-sport athlete has actually been shown to prevent injuries more effectively than a lot of other things like personal training or weightlifting.
It gives certain motions and muscles a break while working others. For example, we’re seeing a rise in elbow injuries — UCL tears — in high schoolers that used to only happen in major league players. The number one age group getting that surgery now is around 15 or 16.
So yeah, being a multi-sport athlete is protective. Whether it’s giving the body a break, working different muscles, or just being overall more balanced — that would be my advice.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s really good stuff. We probably take advantage of our year-round weather here a bit too much — unlike up north, where the seasons force you to change sports.
Up north, you can’t play those throwing sports year-round, so you naturally switch sports. But that’s such a good point, Dr. Wait.
Also, I wanted to go back — you mentioned growth spurts. A lot of kids hit those growth spurts, they’re heavily involved in sports, and suddenly they can throw 10 miles per hour faster or kick harder. But they may not have the mechanics or stability to handle those forces. Is that what you were getting at with the different age groups?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah, particularly when I was talking about stretching. There are what we call “transitional injuries” that happen when kids — especially males — start producing more testosterone but still have the bone structure of a kid.
So I see a lot of avulsion-style injuries from that.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
For sure, that’s a great point. So around those ages, more stretching — and maybe trying something else in the offseason rather than just doing more baseball, right?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Exactly. They have fall ball, summer ball, second summer ball — it never ends. A lot of leagues now have pitch counts, which is great, but then kids join three different leagues.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Yeah, let’s not game the system — the system’s there for a reason.
So, sometimes you may see patients who wait too long to come in. If someone’s hesitant or unsure about reaching out, what would you want them to know?
Dr. Eric Wait:
I’d say — ask yourself why you’re hesitating. Is it because you don’t want to waste time? Or money? Either way, those are valid concerns, but—
Look around the room — there are a lot of people who could use some nutritional changes. I think kids do better and get better when it’s a family thing.
When parents are willing to jump in and do it with them, they improve so much more. But when parents just sit on the sidelines while the kid does all the work, it doesn’t have the same effect.
The kids who really get better are the ones whose mom goes to the gym with them, or whose dad does the same knee exercises I recommended. It’s a lifestyle change — and kids can’t do that on their own. They need strong motivation and support.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Yeah, that’s such an important point — and it ties into bigger issues, even beyond medicine. Like in school — some kids have more help with their homework because they have support at home. It’s the same thing here: that “homework” in medical terms is recovery.
Having that support system helps build habits. It only takes about 30 days to form a habit — just doing it intentionally for 30 days makes it part of your routine.
Dr. Eric Wait:
Exactly. I always say, if I could just convince people to drive to the gym 30 days in a row — not even work out, just show up — it becomes part of the routine. That’s the hardest part: getting there.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
Yeah, for sure. Planning it and actually following through is the hardest part. And that applies to everyone — kids and adults.
When your body’s trying to heal, you’ve got to set it up for success: manage your stress, get good sleep, eat well. Otherwise, your body struggles to recover.
That’s such a relatable point — especially during recovery, where all of that matters even more.
Any final thoughts, Dr. Wait?
Dr. Eric Wait:
Yeah — at the end of the day, orthopedists are just one part of the team. I’ve got a few tools in my tool belt, and one of my favorite ones is physical therapy.
You guys are the backbone of recovery. I might only spend 10 minutes with a patient, but you spend two hours a week with them — guiding them through the real progress.
So I just want every therapist watching this to know: I truly appreciate you and recognize how valuable your role is.
Dr. Anthony Avila:
That’s amazing to hear. It really is a team effort, and from your side, it’s clear how much you care about your patients.
Thank you so much, Dr. Wait, for your time, expertise, and for sharing with us today.
“Giving back” is one of our core values at Avila Physical Therapy — and you definitely helped us accomplish that today.
For everyone tuning in, stay tuned to find out who our next guest will be on the Coastal Bend Spotlight Series.
Thanks, everyone!