Allison Bean, MD, PhD

Dr. Bean's clinical sports medicine practice focuses on diagnosis and non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Specializing in management of joint, tendon, and ligament disorders,   Dr. Bean integrates diagnostic ultrasound and advanced ultrasound-guided procedures into her practice, including administration of orthobiologics (e.g. platelet-rich plasma).  

Dr. Bean’s translational basic science research focuses on combining novel biological therapies with rehabilitation strategies to enhance musculoskeletal tissue repair. She is particularly interested in understanding how biological characteristics, such as age and sex, influence both disease development and the efficacy of treatment. Dr. Bean’s most recent work has focused on identifying sex- and age-dependent mechanisms of cartilage degeneration as well as the potential of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to rejuvenate extracellular vesicles to promote skeletal muscle healing in aged mice. Ultimately, Dr. Bean hopes to translate her research findings into the clinic, delivering individualized, minimally invasive treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. 

Clinical Interests: musculoskeletal and sports medicine, health of the female athlete, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, orthobiologics/regenerative medicine

Research Interests: regenerative rehabilitation, sex differences and aging in musculoskeletal disorders, stem cells, tissue engineering, extracellular vesicles

Why are diversity and inclusion important to me? I am a member of the UPMC Department of PM&R Diversity and Inclusion Committee because I believe that equity in science and healthcare is essential to establish and maintain healthy communities. Supporting retention and promotion of women and minorities in the academic workforce benefits everyone – including the healthcare system and more importantly, the patients we serve.