Allison Bean

Allison Bean is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh and holds secondary appointments in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering. She is a core faculty member of the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center. 

Dr. Bean is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Primary Care Sports Medicine. Her clinical practice focuses on non-surgical treatment of sports injuries, including joint, tendon, and ligament disorders. She specializes in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnostic and interventional applications including administration of orthobiologics. 

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Bean leads a translational research program focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms of musculoskeletal tissue injury and repair, using this knowledge to guide the development of precision regenerative rehabilitation approaches to treat muscle and tendon disorders. Dr. Bean has received funding for her work from the University of Pittsburgh KL2 scholars program, the BMRC, the Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Alliance for Regenerative Rehabilitation Research and Training. She is also an active collaborator on several NIH- and DOD-funded clinical trials, including studies focused on developing ultrasound biomarkers for myofascial low back pain, the potential of oral metformin as a novel treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, and understanding how hormones affect musculoskeletal function and performance under physical stress. 

Dr. Bean currently serves as an at-large member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists Board of Trustees and is a Deputy Editor of the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She also serves as Co-Chair of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Research Grants Subcommittee and a member of the Orthopedic Research Society Awards and Recognition Committee. 

Dr. Bean received a B.S. in Bioengineering from Rice University, and her M.D and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a clinical fellowship in primary care sports medicine at UPMC.