A photo of Mark Paterno.

Mark V. Paterno, PT, PhD, MBA, SCS, ATC


  • Senior Clinical Director, Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
  • Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
I believe that every patient has a story to tell about their injury, their condition and their goals for healing. Understanding their story is key to applying the right treatment at the right time for each patient.
Mark V. Paterno, PT, PhD, MBA, SCS, ATC

About

Biography

As a physical therapist, I specialize in caring for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries. My focus is on those who have sustained acute or overuse injuries to their upper and lower extremities, especially ACL injuries.

At a young age I was exposed to the field of physical therapy and athletic training. This experience convinced me to pursue a career in healthcare. I’ve found that working with young patients and helping them regain their function is incredibly rewarding. It’s what motivates me each day as a clinician and as a scientist.

My practice is rooted in evidence-based care, and my philosophy of care is based on listening carefully to my patients. I believe that every patient has a story to tell about their injury, their condition and their goals for healing. Understanding their story is key to applying the right treatment at the right time for each patient.

My research focuses on improving outcomes after ACL injuries in young athletes. We first worked to identify the incidence and mechanism of a second ACL injury after ACL reconstruction. We are now building on our earlier work to create new criteria for releasing an athlete to resume activity after ACL reconstruction. We are also developing new models of care that can help with safe and effective transitions back to playing sports.

I was honored to receive the 2019 Ron Peyton Award and Lectureship from the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Our research was recognized with the 2018 STOP Sports Injuries Award from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. And we also received the National Collegiate Athletic Association Research Award in 2010.

When I’m not helping patients or focusing on research, I enjoy spending time with my family.

PT, MS: Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 1994.

EMBA: Troy State University, Troy AL, 2002.

PhD: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT.

Certifications: Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) 2001; NATA certified Athletic Trainer, 1998.

Interests

Sports medicine; ACL injuries in female athletes and balance and proprioception.

Services and Specialties

Sports Medicine, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

Research Areas

Sports Medicine

Insurance Information

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Publications

Booster visits in the management of the acute musculoskeletal injuries: Transforming care to improve outcomes-A perspective review. Paterno, MV; Fitzgerald, GK. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2024; 42:1151-1158.

Booster visits in the management of the acute musculoskeletal injuries: Transforming care to improve outcomes-A perspective review. Paterno, MV; Fitzgerald, GK. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2024; 42:1151-1158.

The Influence of Strength and Sport Exposure on Psychological Readiness After ACL Reconstruction. Zink, GP; Zwolski, CM; Thomas, SM; Paterno, MV; Schmitt, LC. Sports Health-A Multidisciplinary Approach. 2024; 16:239-246.

The Influence of Strength and Sport Exposure on Psychological Readiness After ACL Reconstruction. Zink, GP; Zwolski, CM; Thomas, SM; Paterno, MV; Schmitt, LC. Sports Health-A Multidisciplinary Approach. 2024; 16:239-246.

Running Habits and Injury Frequency Following COVID-19 Restrictions in Adolescent Long-Distance Runners. Meyers, RN; Garcia, MC; Taylor-Haas, JA; Long, JT; Rauh, MJ; Paterno, MV; Ford, KR; Bazett-Jones, DM. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2024; 36:2-7.

Running Habits and Injury Frequency Following COVID-19 Restrictions in Adolescent Long-Distance Runners. Meyers, RN; Garcia, MC; Taylor-Haas, JA; Long, JT; Rauh, MJ; Paterno, MV; Ford, KR; Bazett-Jones, DM. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2024; 36:2-7.

The Association of Physical Competence With Psychological Response Among Young Athletes at Time of Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction. Zwolski, CM; Paterno, MV; Magnussen, RA; Thomas, SM; Goodway, JD; Hand, BN; Quatman-Yates, CC; Schmitt, LC. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023; 51:2908-2917.

The Association of Physical Competence With Psychological Response Among Young Athletes at Time of Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction. Zwolski, CM; Paterno, MV; Magnussen, RA; Thomas, SM; Goodway, JD; Hand, BN; Quatman-Yates, CC; Schmitt, LC. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023; 51:2908-2917.

Leveraging the construct of physical literacy to promote physical activity for youth with obesity - A qualitative analysis of physical therapists' perceptions. Paponetti, MK; Zwolski, C; Porter, R; Paterno, MV. 2023; 5:100054.

Leveraging the construct of physical literacy to promote physical activity for youth with obesity - A qualitative analysis of physical therapists' perceptions. Paponetti, MK; Zwolski, C; Porter, R; Paterno, MV. 2023; 5:100054.

Patient Ratings and Comments

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4.6
Overall Patient Rating