Dr. Chris Mendias is a rehabilitation clinician scientist who serves as the administrative and research director of AzBJSMC. He is internationally renowned for his research into muscle, tendon, bone and cartilage healing and regeneration. Much of his focus has been on muscle injuries, tendon diseases, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and obesity & inflammation. Clinically he has cared for patients from all walks of life, from high school, collegiate and professional athletes, to older patients with chronic joint injuries, and patients recovering from long COVID.
Dr. Mendias obtained his bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Biology, and his Master's Degree in Physiology at the University of Arizona, where he was also a member of the UA Athletic Medicine staff. He then went on to earn his PhD in Molecular & Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan Medical School. Following the completion of his doctorate, he joined the faculty of UM as a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Molecular & Integrative Physiology. He then went on to work on the scientific staff at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and was a Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery and Physiology & Biophysics at Weill Cornell University in Manhattan. He is a nationally certified and state licensed Athletic Trainer.
Dr. Mendias has authored over 80 scientific research papers and has received several awards for his research. These awards include the Neer Award for the top research study from the American Shoulder Elbow and Surgeons Society, as well as the Cabaud Award honoring the top research study from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He has received several million dollars in research funding, and has served on the editorial board of numerous academic journals.
