Mark Purnell, MD

About Mark

Dr. Mark Purnell is a longstanding orthopedic surgeon in the Roaring Fork Valley and specializes in reconstruction and repair of chronic and acute knee injuries, lower extremity trauma and sports medicine. His training and education have included a fellowship in sports orthopedics in Aspen, residency and research at University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison, medical school at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, and a bachelor’s in biology earned at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Dr. Purnell has also served as faculty for Aspen Sports Medicine Foundation Fellowship and Clinical Faculty for the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. His published research has centered on knee reconstruction and ski-related trauma. He is a member of numerous state, regional, national and international professional orthopedic organizations.

In other roles, Dr. Purnell serves as chairman of the board of WHH Foundation, which upholds a mission to help improve human capital. He is the father to five athletic adult daughters. Dr. Purnell served as a physician for the US Nordic Ski Team and was the first team physician for the US Cycling Mountain Biking Team. In his rare leisure time, you will likely find him enjoying the active mountain lifestyle on the singletrack or the trail, mountain biking, running, or spending time with his family.

Society Memberships and Leadership Roles

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
• American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine
• Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons
• Colorado Medical Association
• European Society of Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy, and Sports Traumatology
• Western Orthopedic Association
• Clinical Instructor of Orthopedics, University of Colorado Health Services Center

Practice Philosophy

“It’s a privilege to take care of people in this community. I believe an active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle. My mission is to keep patients active in their work, their sports and their activities.”

“Through my collegial relationship with Dr. Ferdinand Liotta, we started a medical exchange program with orthopedists and other medical personnel in Bariloche, Argentina. For the last 17 years, we have brought education and medical equipment to aid in the care of the people of Argentina.”

ValleyOrtho University Webinar Recordings

ValleyOrtho University is a virtual education series presented by the world class surgeons at ValleyOrtho. Our goal is to provide valuable educational opportunities to help our neighbors and community continue to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles.

Watch previous ValleyOrtho University webinars by Dr. Purnell by clicking on the videos below.

View the full list of recordings as well as upcoming webinars here: ValleyOrtho University