Dr. Ruslan Safarov, MD: Helping You Move Again With Care You Can Trust

When pain slows you down, our expert physicians are here to help. Ruslan Safarov, MD, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist is now caring for patients at Covenant Health LeConte. With advanced training in sports medicine and experience treating athletes at a high level, Dr. Safarov brings a deeper understanding of how the body moves, performs and heals. 

“Each patient has their own story, and their care should reflect that,” Dr. Safarov explains. 

Expert Care to Keep You Moving 

Dr. Safarov treats injuries like ACL tears, shoulder problems and joint pain. His focus is on helping patients heal so they can return to their activities. 

As a former swimmer, he saw how the right care team can change an athlete’s future. That experience shaped his path in medicine. He pursued advanced training and ended up working with elite teams. He has worked on medical teams for both the New York Jets and the New York Islanders. 

Today, he brings that same high level of care to every patient, right here in East Tennessee. 

What sets him apart is not just his skill but how he uses it. He blends proven techniques with the latest advances and keeps his patients’ goals front and center. Whether helping someone return to athletics or simply daily life, his focus is on the best outcome for the person in front of him. 

Care That Starts with Listening 

“When I walk in the room, I sit down and actually talk and listen,” he says.  

Dr. Safarov believes patients should feel confident in their care plan. Every patient gets the time they need to ask questions, understand their options and feel comfortable with the next step. 

That approach gives patients a sense of control. They are not being told what to do; they are part of the decision.  

Dr. Safarov recalls a patient who could barely walk due to severe knee pain. Her scans didn’t fully show how bad it was, but he took the time to listen and trust what she was feeling. Together, they made a plan.  

After surgery, the difference was almost immediate. “Within the first week, she felt so much better,” he says. This outcome reinforced the impact of taking a patient-centered approach. 

For him, care doesn’t stop after the visit. It continues through recovery and follow-ups. This kind of care builds trust. And it’s what helps patients feel supported every step of the way. 

A Doctor Who Calls East Tennessee Home 

Dr. Safarov and his family chose East Tennessee for its balance of a great community, beautiful outdoors and a place to grow. 

“It’s a perfect place; a great area for my family,” he says. When he’s not working, you’ll find him exploring the Smoky Mountains, staying active and spending time with his wife and two children. 

Strong Support From Covenant Health 

Great care takes a great team. That’s why Dr. Safarov chose to work with Covenant Health. 

With Covenant Health, patients benefit from: 

• Advanced technology 

• Expert, compassionate staff 

• Convenient locations across East Tennessee 

• A trusted local network focused on long-term health 

You don’t have to live with pain. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Safarov today.