About

Erica Gaertner, M.D., is a primary care sports medicine physician with experience in internal medicine in addition to specialization as a sports medicine practitioner. She also serves as the medical director for Loyola University of Maryland. She is double board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Gaertner grew up in the Baltimore area, and prior to attending medical school she competed as a professional equestrian and understands the needs of elite athletes. In 2022, she was appointed as the first-ever medical director of the National Steeplechase Association to be a central liaison for rider health and safety. Dr. Gaertner previously worked with several collegiate and professional sports teams, serving as a physician for the University of Pennsylvania, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Gaertner believes in conservative management for sports injuries whenever possible. She works to get athletes back to their sport—whether they are a weekend warrior or a pro athlete.

A couple walking their dog on a Fall day.

Education

  • Medical Education: St. George’s University School of Medicine
  • Internship: Hahnemann University Hospital Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • Residency: MedStar Health Internal Medicine Residency, Baltimore, MD
  • Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Areas of Interest

Dr. Gaertner’s area of interest is any athletic injury in both the pediatric and adult population. In addition to musculoskeletal injuries, she also sees athletes with concussions. She has a special interest in equestrian athletes and enjoys getting them back on the horse.

Conditions Treated

  • Sprains
  • Pediatric injuries
  • Growth plate injuries
  • Fractures
  • Arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Concussion

Treatments Performed

  • Steroid injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Viscosupplementation

     

More Information

Dr. Gaertner was a professional equestrian prior to attending medical school. She currently spends most of her free time coaching the Greenspring Hounds Pony Club as well as riding and competing her horse All the Way Jose.

  • Memberships
    • Member of American Medical Society of Sports Medicine
    • Board Member for the Steeplechase Jockeys Association of America
    • Medical Director for the National Steeplechase Association

Locations

Telemedicine video visits are also available.

Owings Mills

LifeBridge Health at Foundry Row

10084 Reisterstown Road
Suite 300-A
Owings Mills, MD 21117

Interviews

Ask a Doc

In this "Ask a Doc" WJZ-13 CBS Baltimore interview interview, Dr. Erica Gaertner discusses common sports injuries and ways to avoid them.

WBAL-TV 11

Dr. Erica Gaertner is interviewed in this WBAL-TV 11 News story on the important role mental health plays in athletes' performance during competition.