Biography

Dr. Mark Cohen is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery. A native of Chicago, Dr. Cohen graduated valedictorian from Niles West High School before earning his bachelor’s degree with the highest distinction and departmental honors from Stanford University. He continued his education at Harvard Medical School, graduating Magna Cum Laude with honors in a special field. 

Dr. Cohen completed his orthopedic residency at the University of California, San Diego, and pursued advanced training with a fellowship in hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery at the Indiana Hand Center, one of the premier hand centers in the country. 

An accomplished author, Dr. Cohen has written over 156 medical articles, 63 book chapters, and a textbook on hand and wrist injuries. He is also an editor for Green’s Operative Hand Surgery, the leading textbook in the field. Dr. Cohen has participated in more than 334 continuing education courses, serving as Course Chairman 51 times. He has led the Orthopaedic Hand and Elbow Section at Rush University for the past 30 years and currently serves as the Director of Orthopaedic Education in the department. 

Dr. Cohen has received numerous accolades for his research, teaching, and clinical achievements. He has been named one of Chicago’s “Top Doctors” in Hand and Orthopaedic Surgery by Chicago Magazine multiple times, including in 2024. U.S. News & World Report ranks him in the top 1% of physicians in his specialty nationwide. He was honored with the Excellence in Clinical Service award by Rush University in 2017, recognizing his outstanding clinical care, leadership, and scholarship. 

His clinical and research interests focus on fractures and reconstruction of the hand, wrist, and elbow, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive surgery and complex elbow conditions, including Tommy John surgery for throwing athletes and other sports-related injuries. Dr. Cohen is a team physician and consultant for the Chicago White Sox (MLB) and the Chicago Bulls (NBA). 

In his free time, Dr. Cohen enjoys tennis, cycling, and in-line skating.