Dr. Abel has been with the UVA Health System since 1993. He has served in numerous leadership roles including as chair of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery between 2002 and 2003 and from August of 2008 through August 2013. He has been involved in Committees overseeing Quality and Strategy. He serves as the clinical director of the Motion Analysis and Motor Performance Laboratory and leads the Division of pediatric orthopaedics. His expertise covers a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting children. Approximately 50% of his practice deals with the management of Scoliosis and other spinal deformities and conditions of the children’s spine. He is nationally recognized as an expert in Pediatric Orthopaedic and Scoliosis as well as for the Management of Neuromuscular conditions such as Cerebral Palsy. He has published well over 70 peer reviewed articles and numerous book chapters on pediatric orthopaedic topics. He has been listed among Connelly’s Best Doctors in America for 7 consecutive years.

Appointments:

Lillian T. Pratt Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Pediatrics

Specialty:

Orthopaedic Surgery - Board Certified

Subspecialty:

Pediatric Orthopaedics & Spinal Surgery

Special Expertise:

Management of spinal disorders in children and adolescents

Management of neuromuscular condition especially cerebral palsy occurring in children

Awards:

Research Awards from American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine:

1996 For Study on: "Relationship of Gait Analysis to Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy"

2000 For Study entitled: "Relationships Among Musculoskeletal Impairment, Function and Perceived Health Status in Spastic CP: A multi-center collaboration"

2000 Original Research Award: Southern Medical Association: "For outstanding clinical research" in Southern Region

2000 Admitted to American Orthopaedic Association: "Membership reflects leadership in orthopaedic surgery through teaching & research"

2004 Awarded Alfred R. Shands, Jr Endowed Chair, at the University of Virginia

2006-2013 Named in "Best Doctors in America" by physician peers 7 consecutive years

2008 Named Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia

Education:

1976 Graduated Phi Beta Kappa & Magna Cum Laude
University of Connecticut

1982 Medical Degree - Tulane University School of Medicine with induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society & Oscar Creech Award for Surgery

Residency:

1983 Surgical Internship - Washington University & Barnes Hospital,
St. Louis, MO

1983-88 Orthopaedic Surgery Residency -University of California, San Diego

Fellowship:

1989 Fellowship Training in Pediatric Orthopaedics at San Diego Children's Hospital & UC San Diego

Certification:

Orthopaedic Surgery Board Certification through the
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

State License:

Virginia

Patient Stories:

"Dear Mark, I'm not sure but I bet my children get more than their usual dose of attention from their Dr... You have ...opened a whole new world for her. [by introducing adaptive skiing]"

"Dear Dr. Abel & staff, Y'all were so supportive and kind to J-M [while she was treated for scoliosis]....J-M has been accepted to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre... Thanks to all of you for your part."

"...Dr. Abel, I think you're a wonderful Doctor. You take time to explain things but you also have a great bedside manner...picking up E and hugging him... your expression of empathy and concern [is unique]!"

“Dear Dr. Abel, Thank you so much for the wonderful care you gave my son…You are a very talented doctor and I am honored to know you…I will always remember and be thankful for the difference you made in J’s life."

Publications

Orthopaedic Pediatrics Division

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