Dr. Mark Paterno is Senior Clinical Director of the Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and a Professor in the UC Department of Pediatrics. A board-certified sports physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, he specializes in the rehabilitation of young athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, with a particular focus on ACL injury recovery and return-to-sport decision making.
Dr. Paterno’s research centers on outcomes after ACL reconstruction, identifying risk factors for second injuries, and developing evidence-based criteria and innovative care models to ensure safe and effective return to activity. He has led influential multicenter studies, authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, and contributed to international consensus efforts on meniscus and cartilage rehabilitation. His work has been recognized with awards from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the NCAA, and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy.
Committed to patient-centered care, Dr. Paterno emphasizes listening to each athlete’s story to design personalized treatment strategies. Beyond the clinic and research lab, he enjoys spending time with his family.