David J. Petron,
MD
Languages Spoken: English
David J Petron MD is an Associate Professor(clinical) in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah where he serves as the Aline Skaggs Presidential Endowed Chair. He is a primary care orthopaedic/sports medicine specialist. He originally trained in family medicine and then completed a fellowship in nonoperative orthopaedics and sports medicine at Michigan State University. He has served as the Director of University of Utah Division of Primary care Sports Medicine. Dr. Petron is the Head Team Physician for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, overseeing over 550 student athletes in 18 NCAA sports. He is the Head Team Physician for the University of Utah football team. He is the Chief Medical Officer and Head Team Physician for the Utah Jazz. He has served as a team physician for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team and Medical Director for the Park City Ski Injury Clinic. Dr Petron specializes in non-operative treatment of the spine, shoulder, knee, ankle and foot problems. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine including Platelet Rich Plasma and BMC stem cell treatments. He has performed over 10 thousand ultrasound guided or fluoroscopically guided injections. He also has a special interest in osteoarthritis and overuse injuries that lead to tendonitis. He utilizes the latest treatments for this, including various injections, ultrasound guided minimally invasive tendon debridement and shock wave therapy for chronic tendon problems. Dr. Petron truly wants the best for his patients and looks at all evidenced based ,non surgical treatments to better serve their needs. Sometimes non surgical treatments are no longer possible to relieve symptoms. In those cases he is able to refer to the very best subspecialty surgeons for the specific problem to be addressed properly.
Clinical Locations
801-587-7109
Orthopaedic Injury Clinic
801-587-7109
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Professor (Clinical) Physical Therapy and Athletic Training - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.7/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
October 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Quick visit, but to the point
UofU Patient
October 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The doctor seemed to be in a hurry and I left the office feeling like I had somehow did something wrong by going there. He was rude, used medical terminology that I didn't understand- the assistant had to explain them to me while the doctor was sitting right next to us, he barely touched me, I asked if I could see my x-rays and he ignored me, the assistant had brought in some ace wraps when I first got there but they just took them back with them when my appointment was over, my ribs were broken but the doctor didn't tell me where, the doctor didn't look me in the face the entire time, I was given absolutely no instructions about how to care for my injury, the doctor didn't speak to me- he only spoke to his assistant and then the assistant spoke to me as if the doctor was to important to speak directly to me, the doctor didn't even greet me when he came in the room. I basically was told "you'll be fine" only the doctor had to say that to his assistant and then the assistant said it to me. It was the worst experience I've had at the U of U. I've got my health taken care of from the U of U for 40 years. I almost ALWAYS have crazy awesome providers and treatment! And I was going to Dr Petron for broken ribs and I also had a broken collarbone after a scary fall. So I was going into this appointment feeling very frightened, vulnerable and in a lot of pain. So going in there and being treated like this was awful. I'll admit that I went home in tears. That is why this review is so detailed.
UofU Patient
October 16, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
My condition was not determined. An MRI is required to determine outcome and treatment.
UofU Patient
October 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The doctor provided good insight into what to do now and in the future if pain increases.
UofU Patient
October 09, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I had a shoulder injection. About an hour later while I was driving, I was unable to move the arm more than a few inches. I called the clinic and after about an hour someone called back and took my history and reassured me that this was to be expected. I wish I had been told that at the time of the injection as it was very worrisome until it finally resolved after several hours. I would suggest advising patients of this potential adverse effect
UofU Patient
October 02, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron listened to me and was able to recognize the issue and give direction that no other Dr could figure out
UofU Patient
October 02, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I have already begun to recommend this provider to friends and family. I had a very positive and helpful visit. Thank You!
UofU Patient
September 23, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron- outstanding
UofU Patient
September 19, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I wish the doctor had talked to me for a bit longer. He said he would meet with me after my MRI but the MRI is scheduled a month out. So I'm not sure what my diagnosis is or what I should do in the meantime. The doctor made a passing statement to get on crutches. I wish he would have given more clear direction on what I needed to do, what he thought was wrong with me, and what the possible plans were going forward. I was left with more unknowns and it sucks because I am not going to have a follow-up appointment until the MRI.
UofU Patient
September 09, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
There was a ton of information on the report from the radiologist who reviewed my MRI and I felt like the doctor didn't review much of it. Just said "you have a bulging disk and need an injection"
UofU Patient
August 28, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron is very thoughtful and communicates well. He seems to genuinely care about his patients
UofU Patient
August 20, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The Doctor dismissed me and my concerns so he told me the results of my MRI and that was it. I left without knowing the next step or my options or what to do in the meantime. He judged my appearance and had asked me a questions of which I didn't understand and so he became more rude. He didn't show any empathy and made it clear that he didn't want to have a discussion. It was one way and totally didn't even answer any questions. I made an appointment with a private practice doctor to answer my questions. I don't think I should pay for this visit. It was a complete waste of my time. He explained the results of my MRI exactly as the notes were put in MyChart by the guy who took the images.
UofU Patient
August 16, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron was great. No complaints.
UofU Patient
August 14, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron not himself this day. Distracted/quiet
UofU Patient
August 14, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I felt like the instructions I was given weren't clear. The doctor didn't give many and the paper of instructions seemed to be different than what he did tell me. The instructions indicated not taking certain medications. I told the assistants twice that I was taking a certain medication that ended up being on the list and nothing was said about it.
UofU Patient
August 07, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is always thorough. He is amazing and I feel confident that he will do what's in my best interest.
UofU Patient
August 05, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Yet to be determined
UofU Patient
July 28, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron seemed to be annoyed by questions. Instead of answering, he would stare at me for a long pause. It was very odd.
UofU Patient
July 27, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is always very professional and kind. He listens to my concerns and addresses them accordingly. He worked me Into his very busy schedule to get me an Injection to help relieve my severe pain....
UofU Patient
July 20, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
This doctor was far too important to spend time on a mere peasant like myself. He would not allow me to speak. He didn't even allow me to answer his questions; he answered them for himself. I had to speak over him while he continued to speak over me to ask about a topical muscle relaxer. He was not concerned that my muscles are spasming and much more painful than my sciatic nerve. He thought I was going to ask about an anti-inflammatory and so he told me about an otc topical nsaid while I was still asking my question and I had to just keep talking in order to actually say it. He completely steamrolled me and his assistant was completely unfazed by this as if it were very typical behavior. I did not get the chance to ask about steroid shots even though that is the reason why I made this appointment. The doctor hurriedly put me back on gabapentin which my primary took me off. He gave me a paper that has a chart for dose tapering, but he only gave me Instruction to take 1-3... So.. I guess I'm taking 3 per day. What Is the point of doctors, again?
UofU Patient
July 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Doctor was helpful
UofU Patient
July 14, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron explained things well, listened to my responses, and let me know what to expect. The shot was relatively painless. I could not have asked for anything better
UofU Patient
July 09, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is excellent!
UofU Patient
July 08, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Kind, knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful
UofU Patient
July 01, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is a good listener! And doctor!
UofU Patient
June 18, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The PA Petron explained everything I asked him and then some. He was very concerned, and honestly wanted to help me.
UofU Patient
June 12, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is a treasure. I think he has treated every member of my family now!
UofU Patient
June 12, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I frequently recommend Dr. Petron.
UofU Patient
June 02, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Primary appointment was for shoulder. But he also took time to address issues with my back.
UofU Patient
May 31, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron was incredibly kind and succinct in helping me understand my health issue.
UofU Patient
May 27, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
There was no discussion of the root cause, Dr didn't really explain why I was feeling pain, didn't seem to care how I Injured myselfThere was no discussion of any proposed treatment, didn't say If I should take It easy, didn't say If I should run on it or work out, didn't recommend any treatmentDoctor left the room without asking if I had any further questions
UofU Patient
May 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
He's awesome
UofU Patient
May 12, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
When explaining the way that I fractured my second toe, Dr. Petron said something in remark to "That takes care of karma". I didn't ask to repeat himself but I thought that was a very rude comment.
UofU Patient
April 18, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron did not discuss the pros and cons of the cortisone shot or even discuss what kind of injection he was going to do before the time of implementation.
UofU Patient
April 04, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
He was awesome with our son!
UofU Patient
April 02, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I can't say enough about dr Peyton and the entire staff. They were all excellent! Indeed so good we're they if I was going to move anywhere due to a health care system it would be Salt Lake!
UofU Patient
March 31, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Can't think of a thing I would change
UofU Patient
March 31, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Kind, pleasant, knowledgeable, attentive
UofU Patient
March 28, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
A better explanation would have been beneficial but I still feel very comfortable with the care
UofU Patient
March 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I prefer Bob, but Petron was great.
UofU Patient
March 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron was excellent in discussing and recommending a treatment. Thank you so much.
UofU Patient
March 14, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is Great! He always listens and explains things very well. He provides excellent medical care!
UofU Patient
March 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Petron didn't explain plan of care well to pt
UofU Patient
March 06, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I feel much better now!
UofU Patient
March 05, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I felt like the doctor was really in a hurry. I tried to explain the sequence of events leading up to my injury, but the doctor primarily looked at my xray, manipulated my knee, put me through a balance test and said I'll give you a shot and go to physical therapy. I was never able to explain the arc of what happened to my knee.
UofU Patient
March 04, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
My only hang up was wait time. Someone could have said we are backed up. Again once I was seen by the doctor things moved along
UofU Patient
February 24, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I understand that it was buys but the doctor did seem rushed. He did not introduce me to all of the assistants that were working with him for me (there was a PT and another person) The notes in my mychart from the doctor included vitals (that were not taken) and the notes said that he had discussed a bunch of things with me that he had not. I came in looking for what was wrong in my knee and what I steps I should be taking to slow any further problems and his answer of "lose weight and see a physical therapist" did very little to address my understanding of the problem and how to treat it. Overall he just felt rushed and dismissive.
UofU Patient
February 22, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
It didn't feel that there was that much interest in exploring my issue in depth. More of a cursory exam, and prescribed meds to address issue, but didn't feel like the doctor was too interested in my situation. Some light questioning as to whether I'd like to re-explore my fasciotomy and exercised induced compartment syndrome.
UofU Patient
February 19, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Wonderful physician
UofU Patient
February 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Good
David J Petron MD is an Associate Professor(clinical) in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah where he serves as the Aline Skaggs Presidential Endowed Chair. He is a primary care orthopaedic/sports medicine specialist. He originally trained in family medicine and then completed a fellowship in nonoperative orthopaedics and sports medicine at Michigan State University. He has served as the Director of University of Utah Division of Primary care Sports Medicine. Dr. Petron is the Head Team Physician for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, overseeing over 550 student athletes in 18 NCAA sports. He is the Head Team Physician for the University of Utah football team. He is the Chief Medical Officer and Head Team Physician for the Utah Jazz. He has served as a team physician for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team and Medical Director for the Park City Ski Injury Clinic. Dr Petron specializes in non-operative treatment of the spine, shoulder, knee, ankle and foot problems. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine including Platelet Rich Plasma and BMC stem cell treatments. He has performed over 10 thousand ultrasound guided or fluoroscopically guided injections. He also has a special interest in osteoarthritis and overuse injuries that lead to tendonitis. He utilizes the latest treatments for this, including various injections, ultrasound guided minimally invasive tendon debridement and shock wave therapy for chronic tendon problems. Dr. Petron truly wants the best for his patients and looks at all evidenced based ,non surgical treatments to better serve their needs. Sometimes non surgical treatments are no longer possible to relieve symptoms. In those cases he is able to refer to the very best subspecialty surgeons for the specific problem to be addressed properly.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Professor (Clinical) Physical Therapy and Athletic Training - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Research Interests
- Athletic Injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Regenerative Medicine
- Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
- Genetics Risk Factors for Concussion in College Athletes
- Relationship Between Concussion and Neuropsychological Performance
- Sports Concussion
- Ultrasound Guided Needle Debridment for Lateral Epicondylitis
Education History
| Fellowship | University of Utah School of Medicine Faculty Development Fellow, 1999 |
| Fellowship | Michigan State College of Human Medicine Sports Medicine Fellow, 1990 |
| Residency | United Hospital Family & Community Medicine Resident, 1989 |
| Professional Medical | University of North Dakota Medicine M.D., 1986 |
| Undergraduate | University of North Dakota Natural Sciences B.S., 1982 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Aukerman DF, Bohr AD, Poddar SK, Romano R, Petron DJ, Ghajar J, Giza CC, Lumba-Brown A, McQueen MB, Harmon KG (2022). Risk of Concussion After a Targeting Foul in Collegiate American Football. Orthop J Sports Med, 10(2), 23259671221074656.
- Harmon K, de St Maurice AM, Brady AC, Swaminathan S, Aukerman DF, Rueda MA, Terrell K, Cohen RP, Gamradt SC, Henry SD, Huston LM, McAllister DR, McCarty KM, Pass AN, Paul SR, Petron DJ, Kliethermes SA (2021). Surveillance testing for SARS-COV-2 infection in an asymptomatic athlete population: a prospective cohort study with 123 362 tests and 23 463 paired RT-PCR/antigen samples. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med, 7(2), e001137.
- Bohr AD, Aukerman DF, Harmon KG, Romano R, Hernndez TD, Konstantinides N, Petron DJ, Ghajar J, Giza C, Poddar SK, McQueen MB (2021). Pac-12 CARE-Affiliated Program: structure, methods and initial results. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med, 7(2), e001055.
- Tyser AR, Allen CM, Presson AP, Stephens AR, Petron DJ, Walsh W, Kazmers NH (2020). Evaluating the performance of PROMIS and QuickDASH instruments in an intercollegiate Division 1 athlete population. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 30(1), 158-164.
- Harmon KG, Suchsland MZ, Prutkin JM, Owens DS, Aukerman DF, Hwang CE, Lancaster SC, Petron DJ, Poddar SK, Porter DE, Petek BJ, Malik A, Drezner JA (2020). Comparison of cardiovascular screening in college athletes by history and physical examination with and without an electrocardiogram: Efficacy and cost. Heart Rhythm, 17(10), 1649-1655.
- Teramoto M, Cross CL, Cushman DM, Maak TG, Petron DJ, Willick SE (2016). Game injuries in relation to game schedules in the National Basketball Association. J Sci Med Sport, 20(3), 230-235.
- Makovitch S, Cushman D, Lawrence B, Petron D (2016). Neck Injury- Football: 3415 June 3 3: 35 PM - 3: 55 PM. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 48(5 Suppl 1), 963.
- Schulte S, Rasmussen NN, McBeth JW, Richards PQ, Yochem E, Petron DJ, Strathmann FG (2015). Utilization of the clinical laboratory for the implementation of concussion biomarkers in collegiate football and the necessity of personalized and predictive athlete specific reference intervals. EPMA J, 7, 1.
- Teramoto M, Petron DJ, Cross CL, Willick SE (2015). Style of Play and Rate of Concussions in the National Football League. Orthop J Sports Med, 3(12), 2325967115620365.
- Woods KM, Petron DJ, Shultz BB, Hicks-Little CA (2015). Lower Leg Anterior and Lateral Intracompartmental Pressure Changes Before and After Classic Versus Skate Nordic Rollerskiing. J Athl Train, 50(8), 812-8.
- Strathmann FG, Schulte S, Goerl K, Petron DJ (2014). Blood-based biomarkers for traumatic brain injury: evaluation of research approaches, available methods and potential utility from the clinician and clinical laboratory perspectives. Clin Biochem, 47(10-11), 876-88.
- Daubs MD, Patel AA, Willick SE, Kendall RW, Hansen P, Petron DJ, Brodke DS (2010). Clinical impression versus standardized questionnaire: the spinal surgeon's ability to assess psychological distress. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 92(18), 2878-83.
- Petron DJ, Greis PE, Aoki SK, Black S, Krete D, Sohagia KB, Burks R (2010). Use of knee magnetic resonance imaging by primary care physicians in patients aged 40 years and older. Sports Health, 2(5), 385-90.
- Brzusek D, Petron D (2008). Treating knee osteoarthritis with intra-articular hyaluronans. Curr Med Res Opin, 24(12), 3307-22.
- Petron DJ, Hanson RW Jr (2007). Acromioclavicular joint disorders. Curr Sports Med Rep, 6(5), 300-6.