Dr. Michael A. Pahl, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine. At Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute in Cookeville and Crossville, Tennessee, he performs arthroscopic, reconstructive, and replacement surgery of the shoulder and knee. He also focuses on conservative and preventative treatments of shoulder, knee, and sports injuries and is trained in the treatment of orthopedic trauma, including operative and non-operative fracture management.
Dr. Michael A. Pahl, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine. At Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute in Cookeville and Crossville, Tennessee, he performs arthroscopic, reconstructive, and replacement surgery of the shoulder and knee. He also focuses on conservative and preventative treatments of shoulder, knee, and sports injuries and is trained in the treatment of orthopedic trauma, including operative and non-operative fracture management.
Dr. Michael A. Pahl, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine. At Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute in Cookeville and Crossville, Tennessee, he performs arthroscopic, reconstructive, and replacement surgery of the shoulder and knee. He also focuses on conservative and preventative treatments of shoulder, knee, and sports injuries and is trained in the treatment of orthopedic trauma, including operative and non-operative fracture management.
A Southern California native, Dr. Pahl earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Chapman University and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He did a research fellowship and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and went on to serve as chief resident. During his time there, he trained under world-renowned surgeons of the prestigious Rothman Institute.
After completing his residency, Dr. Pahl received fellowship training in sports medicine at the Southern California Center for Sports Medicine and the Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group, which he was invited to join following his training. He then served as chairman of orthopedic surgery at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Dr. Pahl has worked with a wide variety of athletes during his training, including the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball, Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League, WWE professional wrestling, and the Philadelphia Crush of the LFL. He has also cared for several different high school teams, has served as team orthopedic surgeon for Long Beach State University athletics, and worked with the World Surf League (WSL).
He is an active member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition, Dr. Pahl has authored numerous book chapters and peer-review journal articles and has presented at several national conferences.
In his free time, Dr. Pahl enjoys spending time with his family and participating in water sports.

Outstanding professional doctor.
Very satisfied! My shoulder is so much better thanks to Dr. Pahl’s excellent skill and treatment. He is also personable and takes the time to answer questions.
Great doc!
Plesent and Professional
He doesn’t hurry me through my procedure and he is very affable.
Very knowledgeable and to the point. Step by step on how the surgery is to be done along with recovery. I would recommend Michael to anyone who has shoulder issues.
I’ve requested your notes from my appointment on February 5, 2026. I have access to the Athena portal. I would really appreciate the opportunity to understand my diagnosis. Thank you in advance.
I was very favorably impressed with my entire recent experience with Tier 1. Dr. Pahl readily answered all of my questions, and he took the time to explain everything to me thoroughly. He is a friendly individual, and his 'bedside' manner is quite comforting.
Mike described my injury and gave several options for repair. Would recommend.
Dr Pahl is one of the best. He repaired my knee several years ago, and now assisting with getting my shoulder back working correctly. I would recommend him to anyone that has issues with their joints.