Dr. Eric Wilkinson is a fellowship-trained Orthopedic Sports Surgeon excited to begin a new chapter with UT Health Rio Grande Valley and UTRGV Athletics — and proud of every step that brought him here.

After earning his medical degree from Texas A&M in 2012, Dr. Wilkinson served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, providing essential medical support to a Marine aviation squadron. He then completed an Orthopedic Surgery residency at UAB in Birmingham, AL, followed by an Orthopedic Sports Medicine fellowship at Houston Methodist in Houston, TX. His training and early career included work with Rice University Athletics, NASA, the Houston Texans, and the Houston Astros — experience that gave him a uniquely broad foundation in high-performance sports medicine.

Most recently a valued member of the DHR Health Sports Medicine team, Dr. Wilkinson cared for athletes at every level, from middle school to professional. He served as a Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and now brings that same commitment to UTRGV Athletics as a team physician for the Vaqueros.

Beyond the sidelines, Dr. Wilkinson remains dedicated to the many hardworking members of this community managing shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. He doesn't define an athlete by participation in sports — he defines one by the desire to live fully rather than simply get through the day. If you have that mindset, he's here to help you get back to the active life you want.

He did not start his journey in the Rio Grande Valley, but his commitment to his fellow neighbors is what powers him. He is ready for the next step and feels the future of elite sports medicine care in the RGV is bright orange. V’s up!