Provider Spotlight
Meet Dr. Brian M. Cervoni Rosario
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Military Branch: United States Navy
Assignment: Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (2016–2018) and I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Support Battalion (2018–2020)
Internship: Internal Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Deployment: Surgeon of Troops, United States Ship Pearl Harbor, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Asia
Residency: Physical Medical and Rehabilitation, University of Washington
Fellowship: Sports Medicine, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab / Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Brian M. Cervoni Rosario, MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, is a sports medicine physiatrist with a subspecialty in sports and musculoskeletal medicine. A United States veteran, his medical journey is one of service and international exploration.
After completing medical school at the University of Puerto Rico, Dr. Cervoni commissioned into the United States military as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant. He served four years in the military as a primary care doctor with the United States Marine Corps. He completed a deployment at sea where he led the medical team on board the USS Pearl Harbor while caring for both Sailors and Marines.
Now back on land, he is an expert in ultrasound-guided diagnostics and treatments, and is focused on getting his patients back on track in a safe and effective manner.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, exploring the food scene in Boston.
Tell us about your medical experience in the U.S. military.
I was in the Health Services Collegiate program, which committed me to four years of active-duty service after medical school. After graduating, I went to Officer Development School and commissioned as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, and I started my internship in internal medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Shortly after, I was assigned to the Marine Corps Combat Logistics Battalion 15 at Camp Pendleton, where I served two years, during one of which I was deployed to Asia—sailing across the world, treating patients.
Why did you choose your specialty?
When I played basketball in high school, I injured my knee and needed surgery. And during the rehabilitation phase, I was working with a physical medicine rehab doctor and that’s where I decided that the general field was very interesting.
What is your philosophy around patient care?
Patients are not books. You can’t just read them, you have to understand them, and you have to ask them questions. Somone’s shoulder pain, for example, might be very different from another patient’s shoulder pain. There are also certainly other considerations. For example, when someone works on their feet, their injury might have a financial impact on their lives, which can be an incredible stressor. So, working in a safe and effective manner to get them back on track is one of my top priorities.
What aspect of your work gives you the greatest satisfaction?
I really enjoy when patients express their amazement at their follow up appointments. That seems very simple, but it’s what makes me happy. I enjoy seeing them come back and tell me, “Hey, Doc, the injection worked,” or “The physical therapy has made me a lot stronger,” or “I’m able to go back to work.”
Describe your work using ultrasounds and how it enhances patient care.
I do ultrasound-guided procedures, which allow me to see the structure or area to inject and, importantly, helps me understand if the injection worked or not. This approach also allows me to make assessments, conduct a diagnostic scan, and deliver a diagnosis and referral all in one appointment. The benefit to patients is that it can expedite care. When diagnostics rely on MRI alone, this level of speed and coordination is not typically possible.
What are your passions outside of work?
My wife and I are big foodies. Having lived in Puerto Rico, Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, we’ve experienced very different food sceneries. We are newer to Boston and exploring the Greater Boston area food scene. So far, so good.
Exceptional Care to Elevate Your Performance
The BMC Health Sports Medicine Center provides expert care for sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. As part of BMC Brighton’s advanced orthopedic care, our sports medicine facility offers cutting-edge care from clinical leaders in the field, with evaluations and treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
We also offer regenerative medicine options, concussion evaluations, and walk-in times on Mondays for weekend sports injuries. Whether you’re a high school athlete, a casual exerciser, or a professional athlete, we are here to keep you in the game.