Visiting Surgeon Program

Surgeon Profile

Thomas P. Knapp, M.D. founded the Shoulder Institute with the idea of building a comprehensive clinic to take care of all aspects of shoulder pathology.

Dr. Knapp is an experienced, board certified orthopaedic surgeon who, in addition to all other aspects of sports medicine, has devoted his career specializing in arthroscopic surgery and reconstructive procedures of the shoulder. Dr. Knapp has authored numerous articles for medical journals, has been a frequent lecturer and instructor in training and educating other physicians, and is heavily involved in medical research and the development of new techniques and technologies.

Dr. Knapp joined the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group in 1995. Dr. Knapp is active in many leadership positions in the community, including with St. John’s Health Center, where he served as Vice-Chairman of the Orthopaedic Section, and with the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he served as a Clinical Instructor. Dr. Knapp has also served as Team Physician for numerous local high school and college sports teams and Venue Medical Director for the 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cup and the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Finals. He is on the prestigious Editorial Board of The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery.

Dr. Knapp graduated from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency. Dr. Knapp completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship with the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.