
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
March 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron was excellent in discussing and recommending a treatment. Thank you so much.
UofU Patient
March 25, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I prefer Bob, but Petron was great.
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
UofU Patient
February 13, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is top notch and I have always had excellent treatment from him
UofU Patient
February 08, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is meticulous with my issue
UofU Patient
February 08, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr..Petron was very easy to talk to too & he was very helpful.
UofU Patient
January 30, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Very good
UofU Patient
January 29, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I always have a satisfying experience with Dr. Petron. He is a nonpareil orthopedist, simply the very best in his field.
UofU Patient
January 24, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is excellent
UofU Patient
January 18, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
My provider spent 5 minutes in the room, didn't answer questions and didn't provide me with information about my next course of treatment.
UofU Patient
January 13, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I received an injection in my knee and wasn't informed that it will feel worse for about a week before it feels better. I was unable to walk the next day which made going to work a challenge (to say the least). I had to send a message in my chart about the pain and someone other than my doctor responded and said that it is normal and common to have a lot of pain for 2-7 days after an injection. I will never get another injection, especially on a Monday.
UofU Patient
December 29, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron provided informed, attentive care.
UofU Patient
December 23, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron was very thorough the first time I saw him. He referred me to several specialists to rule out other conditions with underlying bone health. He also confirmed I was misdiagnosed from a previous visit with a PA and made a commitment to determine the underlying cause of an unknown femur fracture. However during my follow up visit, it seemed he failed to to review outcomes all of the referrals he sent me to and told me he didn't see a need to go to physical therapy (even though he set me up with 6 PT appts in our first visit. He acted like he had never seen me before so I had to catch him up on the history again. He seemed really rushed and kept scanning notes of the PA I saw 3 months prior to seeing Dr. Petron that had misdiagnosed me. He took a scan, shrugged his shoulder and told me that arthritis won't heal itself, but in our first visit told me that I didn't have arthritis. I had to tell him the metabolic specialist had my previous MRI reinterpreted because she didn't agree with the initial interpretation, he totally missed that and asked me how to find it in epic, then finally found it and shrugged again.
UofU Patient
December 09, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent care
UofU Patient
December 05, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent job
UofU Patient
December 03, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Great
UofU Patient
November 23, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Great communication
UofU Patient
November 21, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Overly happy
UofU Patient
November 16, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is very good, great bed side manner, easy to talk to and knowledgeable. He is always helpful and attentive.
UofU Patient
November 12, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I researched him before my appointment. Based on reviews, I knew I would need to be very proactive with my treatment plan. No problem for me, but to someone less educated or more inhibited than me I see why his reviews are not stellar. I also knew that he's a top notch doctor. I care more about competence than bedside manner.
UofU Patient
November 12, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Very thorough
UofU Patient
November 06, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron made clear the options I had available to treat vs assuage the issue and what the risks and benefits were of those decisions. He allowed me to have a say in how my treatment would proceed. So good!
UofU Patient
November 06, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent doctor. Dr. Petron took the time to understand the issues, was thorough in his exam and thoughts, gave clear explanations and expectations, and was very personable.
UofU Patient
November 04, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
An informed discussion with Dr was not possible.
UofU Patient
November 02, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The team was awesome. During my conversations with the three team members we connected. We drove in to details and possibilities.
UofU Patient
November 02, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron and his staff were excellent.
UofU Patient
November 02, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I felt good about joining a study using potential amniotic fluid rather than cortisone to treat arthritis in my knee,
UofU Patient
October 19, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Absolutely excellent
UofU Patient
October 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I delayed seeing a doctor to the point that my condition is deemed to be not reversible. Nevertheless, I still expected to be given useful insights as to how to manage pain and future use of my foot/toe, but Dr. Petron left the examining room abruptly before I could ask questions. When I asked the notetaker, who was the last to leave the room, for more information about the medical aid Dr. Petron mentioned, I was simply told "it will be in the notes." The notes did not contain that information, however, and I had to request additional details. The additional response was generic and I still do not feel I have useful information about how and when to use it. I've seen Dr. Petron many times before for other conditions, and I had good interactions and results from all prior visits, so I would continue to recommend him as a care provider to others.
UofU Patient
October 12, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Doc Petron knows I am trying to delay surgery as long as possible and is doing all that can be done to make me comfortable in the mean time.
UofU Patient
October 08, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Sarah and Dr Petron showed me respect and caring. You could certainly tell they wanted to get me better.
UofU Patient
October 07, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Felt like we were not given a choice about medication vs. An injection
UofU Patient
September 30, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron is an outstanding physician with excellent nurses/assistants
UofU Patient
September 22, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
No proposed care treatment
UofU Patient
September 21, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
We really are not at a point where we would discuss all the options, risks, etc. I imaging that will happen at the next appointment.
UofU Patient
September 14, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron is one of the best Orthopedic Physicians I have seen. Caring and knowledgeable with a great bedside manor.
UofU Patient
September 12, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Petron was very Professional and Kind. Listened to my concerns and Is doing something about my pain.
UofU Patient
August 30, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Petron and staff are excellent and caring
UofU Patient
August 27, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Efficient, knowledgeable, pleasant, excellent
UofU Patient
August 02, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I felt like it was a wasted visit. This is more due to primary care sending me to a specialist that could not do anything but refer me to a surgeon. It also felt very impersonable, disinterested and distant. I have felt this from both providers I have seen at the Orthopaedic Center.
UofU Patient
August 01, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Very good
UofU Patient
July 31, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I have never had a problem there always great to deal with
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.