Current Environment: Production

Medical Services

Programs & Services

Languages

  • English

Education

Undergraduate School

BS

Stonehill College

1995, Easton, MA, US

Medical School

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine

1999, Buffalo, NY, US

Residency

Internal Medicine

Brown University Categorical Internal Medicine

2002, Providence, RI, US

Fellowship

Primary Care Sports Medicine

Boston Children's Hospital

2004, Boston, MA, US

Certifications

  • American Board of Emergency Medicine (Sports Medicine)

Professional History

Michael J. O'Brien, MD is a physician in the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children's Hospital, and an Assistant Professor in Orthopedics at Harvard Medical School. He is the Director of the Sports Concussion Clinic and his clinical interests include concussion management, traumatic brain injury, exercise induced compartment syndrome, and many other sports-related injuries.

Dr. O'Brien is the team physician for the Roxbury Latin School and a staff physician at The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention in Waltham. As a member of the Sports Medicine Division, he is proud to be a longtime part of the medical coverage team for events such as the Boston Marathon finish line and medical tent, the Boston Ballet, Bay State Games, and various synchronized ice skating and track and field championships. Dr. O'Brien lectures at national and international conferences on various sports medicine topics, with particular expertise in the evaluation and management of sports related concussions.

Publications

  1. Comparison of pre-high school and high school football quarterback injuries. Phys Sportsmed. 2023 08; 51(4):331-335. View Abstract

  2. Association between post-concussion symptoms and oculomotor deficits among adolescents. Brain Inj. 2021 08 24; 35(10):1218-1228. View Abstract

  3. Medical Therapies for Concussion. Clin Sports Med. 2021 Jan; 40(1):123-131. View Abstract

  4. Youth American football quarterback injuries: a descriptive study of 15 years of retrospective data. Phys Sportsmed. 2020 11; 48(4):463-468. View Abstract

  5. Platelet-Rich Plasma Is an Equal Alternative to Surgery in the Treatment of Type 1 Medial Epicondylitis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Mar; 8(3):2325967120908952. View Abstract

  6. Continuing Play, Symptom Severity, and Symptom Duration After Concussion in Youth Athletes. Clin J Sport Med. 2020 03; 30 Suppl 1:S42-S46. View Abstract

  7. Double-Row Repair for Recalcitrant Medial Epicondylitis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Dec; 7(12):2325967119885608. View Abstract

  8. Near Point of Convergence and Gait Deficits in Adolescents After Sport-Related Concussion. Clin J Sport Med. 2018 05; 28(3):262-267. View Abstract

  9. Continuing Play, Symptom Severity, and Symptom Duration After Concussion in Youth Athletes. Clin J Sport Med. 2018 Jan 15. View Abstract

  10. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Primary Treatment of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears: MRI Correlation With Results. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Nov; 5(11):2325967117738238. View Abstract

  11. Sport-Related Concussions: Symptom Recurrence After Return to Exercise. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Oct; 5(10):2325967117732516. View Abstract

  12. Prospective Multicenter Assessment of Early Complication Rates Associated With Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery in 78 Patients. Neurosurgery. 2016 Sep; 79(3):378-88. View Abstract

  13. Comparison of Short-term Complications Between 2 Methods of Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study. Orthop J Sports Med. 2016 Jul; 4(7):2325967116658419. View Abstract

  14. The flowering of pathology as a medical discipline in Boston, 1892-c.1950: W.T. Councilman, FB Mallory, JH Wright, SB Wolbach and their descendants. Mod Pathol. 2016 09; 29(9):944-61. View Abstract

  15. Initial somatic symptoms are associated with prolonged symptom duration following concussion in adolescents. Acta Paediatr. 2016 Sep; 105(9):e426-32. View Abstract

  16. Outcomes of Operative and Nonoperative Treatment for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Prospective, Multicenter, Propensity-Matched Cohort Assessment With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. Neurosurgery. 2016 Jun; 78(6):851-61. View Abstract

  17. Adolescents With Convergence Insufficiency Exhibit Gait Stability Deficits Acutely After Concussion: 2907 June 3 2: 00 PM - 2: 15 PM. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 May; 48(5 Suppl 1):814-5. View Abstract

  18. Evaluation of expansile nanoparticle tumor localization and efficacy in a cancer stem cell-derived model of pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2016 May; 11(9):1001-15. View Abstract

  19. Physical Maturity and Concussion Symptom Duration among Adolescent Ice Hockey Players. J Pediatr. 2016 Apr; 171:234-9.e1-2. View Abstract

  20. Initial symptom burden predicts duration of symptoms after concussion. J Sci Med Sport. 2016 Sep; 19(9):722-5. View Abstract

  21. The Subscapularis-Sparing Approach in Humeral Head Replacement. Bull Hosp Jt Dis (2013). 2015 Dec; 73 Suppl 1:S148-53. View Abstract

  22. Mandibular Destruction Secondary to Invasion by Carcinoma Cuniculatum. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015 Dec; 73(12):2343-51. View Abstract

  23. A Risk Prediction Index for Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia at Screening Colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2015 Jul; 110(7):1062-71. View Abstract

  24. Colorectal serrated pathway cancers and precursors. Histopathology. 2015 Jan; 66(1):49-65. View Abstract

  25. Epidemiology of goblet cell and microvesicular hyperplastic polyps. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 Dec; 109(12):1922-32. View Abstract

  26. Endoscopic histological assessment of colonic polyps by using elastic scattering spectroscopy. Gastrointest Endosc. 2015 Mar; 81(3):539-47. View Abstract

  27. Evaluating the risks and benefits of participation in high-school football. Virtual Mentor. 2014 Jul 01; 16(7):526-33. View Abstract

  28. Elastic scattering spectroscopy as an optical marker of inflammatory bowel disease activity and subtypes. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2014 Jun; 20(6):1029-36. View Abstract

  29. Upper thoracic versus lower thoracic upper instrumented vertebrae endpoints have similar outcomes and complications in adult scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014 Jun 01; 39(13):E795-9. View Abstract

  30. HD chromoendoscopy coupled with DNA mass spectrometry profiling identifies somatic mutations in microdissected human proximal aberrant crypt foci. Mol Cancer Res. 2014 Jun; 12(6):823-9. View Abstract

  31. Does recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 use in adult spinal deformity increase complications and are complications associated with location of rhBMP-2 use? A prospective, multicenter study of 279 consecutive patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014 Feb 01; 39(3):233-42. View Abstract

  32. Surface Replacement Arthroplasty of the Humeral Head in Young, Active Patients: Midterm Results. Orthop J Sports Med. 2014 Jan; 2(1):2325967113519407. View Abstract

  33. Effect of cognitive activity level on duration of post-concussion symptoms. Pediatrics. 2014 Feb; 133(2):e299-304. View Abstract

  34. Leiomyoma of the gastrointestinal tract with interstitial cells of Cajal: a mimic of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Am J Surg Pathol. 2014 Jan; 38(1):72-7. View Abstract

  35. Identification of decision criteria for revision surgery among patients with proximal junctional failure after surgical treatment of spinal deformity. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Sep 01; 38(19):E1223-7. View Abstract

  36. The prevalence of undiagnosed concussions in athletes. Clin J Sport Med. 2013 Sep; 23(5):339-42. View Abstract

  37. Prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in white and black patients undergoing screening colonoscopy in a safety-net hospital. Ann Intern Med. 2013 Jul 02; 159(1):13-20. View Abstract

  38. The epidemiology of outpatient visits for minor head injury: 2005 to 2009. Neurosurgery. 2013 Jul; 73(1):129-34; discussion 134. View Abstract

  39. The effect of recommending cognitive rest on recovery from sport-related concussion. Brain Inj. 2013; 27(7-8):839-42. View Abstract

  40. Incidence, mode, and location of acute proximal junctional failures after surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 May 20; 38(12):1008-15. View Abstract

  41. Is pyloric gland metaplasia in ileal pouch biopsies a marker for Crohn's disease? Dig Dis Sci. 2013 Oct; 58(10):2918-25. View Abstract

  42. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is increased in colonic epithelial cells from patients with colitis-associated cancer. J Crohns Colitis. 2013 Jun; 7(5):403-11. View Abstract

  43. Truncated neurokinin-1 receptor is increased in colonic epithelial cells from patients with colitis-associated cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Oct 18; 108(42):17420-5. View Abstract

  44. The clinical significance of serrated polyps. Am J Gastroenterol. 2011 Feb; 106(2):229-40; quiz 241. View Abstract

  45. Variation in the detection of serrated polyps in an average risk colorectal cancer screening cohort. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010 Dec; 105(12):2656-64. View Abstract

  46. Arthroscopic tennis elbow release. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2010 Mar; 19(2 Suppl):31-6. View Abstract

  47. Pragmatic classification of superficial neoplastic colorectal lesions. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009 Dec; 70(6):1182-99. View Abstract

  48. Reinterpretation of histology of proximal colon polyps called hyperplastic in 2001. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Aug 14; 15(30):3767-70. View Abstract

  49. Case report: a case of persistent back pain and constipation in a 5-year-old boy. Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Apr; 37(1):133-7. View Abstract

  50. Raising gestational choline intake alters gene expression in DMBA-evoked mammary tumors and prolongs survival. FASEB J. 2009 Apr; 23(4):1054-63. View Abstract

  51. Nonpolypoid neoplastic lesions of the colorectal mucosa. Gastrointest Endosc. 2008 Oct; 68(4 Suppl):S3-47. View Abstract

  52. 5 approaches to leading successful organizational change. Healthc Financ Manage. 2008 Sep; 62(9):138, 140. View Abstract

  53. Leading innovation in a risk-averse healthcare environment. Healthc Financ Manage. 2008 Aug; 62(8):112-4. View Abstract

  54. Melanin-concentrating hormone as a mediator of intestinal inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jul 29; 105(30):10613-8. View Abstract

  55. Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency is associated with reduced local inflammation in a mouse model of experimental colitis. Endocrinology. 2008 Jul; 149(7):3403-9. View Abstract

  56. Easing tensions between systems and hospitals for better performance. Trustee. 2008 Apr; 61(4):32-3. View Abstract

  57. Comparative efficacies of rifaximin and vancomycin for treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and prevention of disease recurrence in hamsters. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008 Mar; 52(3):1121-6. View Abstract

  58. Hyperplastic and serrated polyps of the colorectum. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2007 Dec; 36(4):947-68, viii. View Abstract

  59. Beyond the hierarchy. Seven innovations have enabled this executive team to become more productive. Health Prog. 2007 Nov-Dec; 88(6):60-3. View Abstract

  60. A multinational, internet-based assessment of observer variability in the diagnosis of serrated colorectal polyps. Am J Clin Pathol. 2007 Jun; 127(6):938-45. View Abstract

  61. Mutations in BRAF and KRAS differentially distinguish serrated versus non-serrated hyperplastic aberrant crypt foci in humans. Cancer Res. 2007 Apr 15; 67(8):3551-4. View Abstract

  62. Reorganize for effective communication. Changing expectations to get more accomplished. Healthc Exec. 2007 Mar-Apr; 22(2):54, 56-7. View Abstract

  63. Recommendations for the reporting of surgically resected specimens of colorectal carcinoma. Hum Pathol. 2007 Apr; 38(4):537-545. View Abstract

  64. MIP-3alpha neutralizing monoclonal antibody protects against TNBS-induced colonic injury and inflammation in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2007 May; 292(5):G1263-71. View Abstract

  65. CT findings of rupture, impending rupture, and contained rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007 Jan; 188(1):W57-62. View Abstract

  66. SIR 2006 Annual Meeting Film Panel Case: Budd-Chiari syndrome in a patient with Cogan syndrome. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006 Dec; 17(12):1881-3. View Abstract

  67. Comparison of microsatellite instability, CpG island methylation phenotype, BRAF and KRAS status in serrated polyps and traditional adenomas indicates separate pathways to distinct colorectal carcinoma end points. Am J Surg Pathol. 2006 Dec; 30(12):1491-501. View Abstract

  68. Recommendations for the reporting of surgically resected specimens of colorectal carcinoma. Virchows Arch. 2007 Jan; 450(1):1-13. View Abstract

  69. Interleukin-6 genetic ablation protects from trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice. Putative effect of antiinflammatory cytokines. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2006; 13(2):114-21. View Abstract

  70. Bradyarrhythmias during use of the AngioJet system. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006 Oct; 17(10):1693-5. View Abstract

  71. Using bicellar mixtures to form supported and suspended lipid bilayers on silicon chips. Langmuir. 2006 Sep 12; 22(19):8163-8. View Abstract

  72. Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2-deficient mice have reduced intestinal inflammatory responses. J Immunol. 2006 Sep 01; 177(5):3355-61. View Abstract

  73. A new transcription factor that regulates TNF-alpha gene expression, LITAF, is increased in intestinal tissues from patients with CD and UC. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2006 Jul; 12(7):581-7. View Abstract

  74. Saccharomyces boulardii inhibits ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation both in vitro and in vivo and protects against Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced enteritis. J Biol Chem. 2006 Aug 25; 281(34):24449-54. View Abstract

  75. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after cancer resection: a consensus update by the American Cancer Society and the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2006 May; 130(6):1865-71. View Abstract

  76. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society. Gastroenterology. 2006 May; 130(6):1872-85. View Abstract

  77. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after polypectomy: a consensus update by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006 May-Jun; 56(3):143-59; quiz 184-5. View Abstract

  78. Guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after cancer resection: a consensus update by the American Cancer Society and US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006 May-Jun; 56(3):160-7; quiz 185-6. View Abstract

  79. Misplaced devices in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis: Part I. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2006 Apr; 27(2):78-97. View Abstract

  80. Misplaced devices in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis: Part II. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2006 Apr; 27(2):98-110. View Abstract

  81. Induction of colitis causes inflammatory responses in fat depots: evidence for substance P pathways in human mesenteric preadipocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Mar 28; 103(13):5207-12. View Abstract

  82. Prognostic significance of superficial fissuring ulceration in patients with severe "indeterminate" colitis. Am J Surg Pathol. 2006 Feb; 30(2):165-70. View Abstract

  83. HIV infection does not affect the performance of noninvasive markers of fibrosis for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus-related liver disease. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2005 Dec 15; 40(5):538-44. View Abstract

  84. NF-kappaB activation precedes increases in mRNA encoding neurokinin-1 receptor, proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecules in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Dec; 50(12):2366-78. View Abstract

  85. Pathophysiological role of Toll-like receptor 5 engagement by bacterial flagellin in colonic inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Sep 20; 102(38):13610-5. View Abstract

  86. Electrokinetic molecular separation in nanoscale fluidic channels. Lab Chip. 2005 Nov; 5(11):1271-6. View Abstract

  87. Gallery of medical devices: part 2: devices of the head, neck, spine, chest, and abdomen. Radiographics. 2005 Jul-Aug; 25(4):1119-32. View Abstract

  88. BRAF and KRAS Mutations in hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas of the colorectum: relationship to histology and CpG island methylation status. Am J Surg Pathol. 2004 Nov; 28(11):1452-9. View Abstract

  89. Hyperplastic polyps, serrated adenomas, and the serrated polyp neoplasia pathway. Am J Gastroenterol. 2004 Nov; 99(11):2242-55. View Abstract

  90. Rifalazil treats and prevents relapse of clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in hamsters. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2004 Oct; 48(10):3975-9. View Abstract

  91. Flat adenomas in the National Polyp Study: is there increased risk for high-grade dysplasia initially or during surveillance? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004 Oct; 2(10):905-11. View Abstract

  92. Spondylolisthesis, pelvic incidence, and spinopelvic balance: a correlation study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Sep 15; 29(18):2049-54. View Abstract

  93. Beyond "best intentions". Health Prog. 2004 Sep-Oct; 85(5):47-50, 60. View Abstract

  94. Histologic predictors of pouchitis in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. Am J Surg Pathol. 2004 Aug; 28(8):999-1006. View Abstract

  95. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) requirement in Clostridium difficile toxin A-mediated intestinal inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Jun 01; 101(22):8503-8. View Abstract

  96. Dual closed-loop, optoelectronic, auto-oscillatory detection circuit for monitoring fluorescence lifetime-based chemical sensors and biosensors. J Biomed Opt. 2004 May-Jun; 9(3):609-17. View Abstract

  97. Hyperplastic (serrated) polyps of the colorectum: relationship of CpG island methylator phenotype and K-ras mutation to location and histologic subtype. Am J Surg Pathol. 2004 Apr; 28(4):423-34. View Abstract

  98. Nomothetic science and idiographic history in twentieth-century Americanist anthropology. J Hist Behav Sci. 2004; 40(1):77-96. View Abstract

  99. Clostridium difficile toxin B is an inflammatory enterotoxin in human intestine. Gastroenterology. 2003 Aug; 125(2):413-20. View Abstract

  100. A neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist reduces an ongoing ileal pouch inflammation and the response to a subsequent inflammatory stimulus. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2003 Dec; 285(6):G1259-67. View Abstract

  101. Colonic metaplasia in the ileal pouch is associated with inflammation and is not the result of long-term adaptation. J Gastrointest Surg. 2003 Feb; 7(2):246-53; discussion 253-4. View Abstract

  102. Two issues in archaeological phylogenetics: taxon construction and outgroup selection. J Theor Biol. 2002 Mar 21; 215(2):133-50. View Abstract

  103. On finding flat adenomas: is the search worth the gain? Gastroenterology. 2002 Mar; 122(3):839-40. View Abstract

  104. A surface plasmon resonance array biosensor based on spectroscopic imaging. Biosens Bioelectron. 2001 Jan; 16(1-2):97-108. View Abstract

  105. Computer-controlled laser ablation: a convenient and versatile tool for micropatterning biofunctional synthetic surfaces for applications in biosensing and tissue engineering. Biotechnol Prog. 1998 May-Jun; 14(3):371-7. View Abstract

My path to becoming a doctor began with a passion for the power of science and innovation. As I have progressed throughout my career I have come to find that the most important and fulfilling parts of the job are the personal interactions with patients. As a non-surgical physician, and as a son of two teachers, I am proud to say that my communication skills are my strongest assets. I know how essential it is to listen and convey a clear explanation and plan of care for every patient I see.

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