Kenneth C. Vitale, MD

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Kenneth C. Vitale, MD, is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician who subspecializes in sports medicine. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, also called physiatrists, help restore function in individuals who have impaired physical ability as a result of injury or illness. Dr. Vitale treats people with sports injuries, muscle and joint injuries, spine conditions, tendonitis, arthritis and general musculoskeletal conditions. He emphasizes nonsurgical treatment approaches, including therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation, nutrition and injections, to facilitate the body's natural healing and improve alignment, posture and function. A lifelong athlete, Dr. Vitale has played through a multitude of sports injuries, which inspires him to help patients return to the activities they love most. Within the Sports Medicine Program at UC San Diego Health, he works closely with certified athletic trainers (ATCs) to help athletes return to sport. As an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Vitale instructs medical students, residents and fellows. His research interests include sports nutrition, microvascular responses to extremity pressure changes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies, and international education exchange programs with Japan. Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Vitale was an assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine and New York Medical College. While in New York City, Dr. Vitale cared for patients at NYU Langone Medical Center and worked at a medical office that treated the Japanese community. He can speak basic medical Japanese.He completed his rehabilitation medicine residency at NYU Langone Medical Centers Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr. Vitale completed his internship at NYU Langone Medical Center and earned his medical degree at NYU School of Medicine. He is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Vitale is also certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a fitness nutrition specialist. Dr. Vitale is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He serves on the Medical Education Committee for the American College of Sports Medicine and is an advisory board member for Athletes Saving Athletes.Outside of work, Dr. Vitale enjoys staying healthy through sports, exercise and eating well. He has competed in amateur baseball leagues, tried various martial arts and trained for triathlons. Dr. Vitale also has a passion for community service and volunteering, and has participated in organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Advocates for Injured Athletes, Special Olympics New York and the New York City Marathon. He is part of the U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer Program.Dr. Vitale also enjoys art culture with his wife and playing with his children. UC San Diego Health LinksFor more information, see https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/ortho/areas-expertise/Pages/physical-medicine.aspx and http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/ortho/areas-expertise/sports-medicine/Pages/default.aspx.