Dr. Mark Schultzel, MD

I call him Dr. Mark. Dr. Mark is one of the best doctors I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He replaced my right shoulder, and it was almost pain free, which surprised me. I did do what he suggested, but took it upon myself and did do my physical therapy at home with the tools Mark suggested. He and his team all have the best personalities as they greet me at each visit. He listens to everything we speak about and does not try and pull his doctorate on us as if talking down to us, myself and my spouse. I always leave his office smiling. Between Mark and myself we both made this operation come out on top, he with his talents and me following the after-operation requirements. Anyone looking for a great Orthopedic Surgeon, he is the person I would trust !

Loved Dr. Schultzel. Didn't have to wait months to see him. At appointments, he was on time and efficient while still being caring. Loved his staff and his physical therapy team too. PT was done with an app and televisits. They crafted a program specific to me, sent me exercises via an app (with videos and instructions), measured my range of motion via sensor. Monthly televisits with the physical trainer; but the trainer is always available via text and phone if you have questions or concerns. This was much more flexible than sessions at specific dates and times, and I didn't waste time and money on transportation.

I had shoulder labrum repair surgery (my first surgery ever) in summer 2025 after 10–15 years of shoulder pain, and I was cleared earlier this year. Since then, I’ve been able to return to a full range of activities—including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and spin classes. About 8 months later, I feel stronger and more mobile than I have in years. The entire experience with Dr. Schutzel’s team—from surgery through recovery—was smooth and well managed. The nerve block during surgery lasted long enough that my recovery was essentially painless. While wearing a sling was uncomfortable, I was never in actual pain. After receiving multiple opinions, I felt confident choosing Dr. Schutzel, and that confidence was reinforced throughout the entire process. The level of care and support made a meaningful difference in both my recovery and overall quality of life. I’m very grateful for the excellent care and would highly recommend Dr. Schutzel and the team to anyone in need of orthopedic… treatment. I’m almost sad my check-ins are done because I truly enjoyed seeing the team—but I’m incredibly grateful for the life-changing results.

I have consulted Dr. Schultzel recently after a fractured Left proximal humerus fracture. He literally spoke with the ER physician to advise him on which specific X-ray views were needed, and saw me in his office within a couple of days. He is kind, pleasant, and professional, and an amazing clinician. I saw him again in follow up 1 week after the initial visit, and just a week ago again for my last X-ray. He is always forthcoming with information, advise on physical therapy exercises; and just a pleasure. Dr Mark Schultzel is the best!

I truly cannot express how grateful I am for Dr. Mark Schultzel. My injury came out of nowhere and required emergency surgery, and he made sure I was taken care of immediately — even fitting me in before leaving for a personal vacation. When insurance issues came up last-minute, he still found a way to make the surgery happen. And when I had questions or concerns afterward, Dr. Schultzel took the time to check in while on vacation to make sure I was healing properly.His team was just as amazing. They handled everything behind the scenes — scheduling, insurance, pre-op prep — and made sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way.Now, six months post-op, my recovery and arm function are better than I ever thought possible. I truly don’t think I’d be where I am today without Dr. Schultzel’s expertise. I’m incredibly thankful for him and his entire team.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Mark Schultzel, who performed my meniscus repair surgery in May 2025. From start to finish, Dr. Schultzel was professional, knowledgeable, and caring. The surgery went perfectly, and my recovery has been smooth and successful. The rehab process was well-guided, and I felt supported every step of the way. I’ve now fully healed and recently completed a 5K run — I actually feel stronger than before my surgery! I’m extremely grateful to Dr. Schultzel, and his team for helping me get back to doing what I love. Highly recommend!

Once I got to Dr. Mark Schultzel he noticed right away I had the wrong splint on based on my x-ray. He listened to me and was quick to get me feeling better. He did great on ensuring I had follow-up appointments. I felt confident in his ability. He also referred me to physical therapy automatically, which helped with scheduling. Finally, D. Schultzul is a great leader in his profession and appears to be a mentor to many on the cusp of entering the doctor world, which was great to see and experience, as well.

Imagine how amazing of a doctor this individual must be, for me to take time to write a review for him. Why? Because patients looking for a caring, compassionate, competent, intelligent, and above and beyond doctor, need not look further than Dr. Schultzel. You can tell what kind of person he is by how he treats and interacts with is staff with respect. He is communicative and explains what is going on throughout the entire process, from the first time you meet with him, all the way through the end (if you have surgery, of course post surgery). He has a pleasant and calm demeanor about him and takes his profession very seriously, yet at the same time has a gentle smile that reassures you that he knows what he is doing and he enjoys what he is doing. If I could have Dr. Schultzel as my Primary Care Physician, I would. I wish I could transplant his personality, competence, care and professionalism into my other medical professionals. I have explicitly observed him teach and guide… medical students who are training under him, with a calm, professional and gentle demeanor, showing that he not only cares about his patients, he cares about furthering his field to tain more competent and amazing doctors and surgeons just like himself. He is an altruistic surgeon and again, one of the best experiences I have ever had and one of the best medical professionals I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I have moved out of San Diego, but I would fly back just to see him for any of my orthopedic needs. He deserves 6 stars if I could give him more than 5 stars.

Five STAR's!! We were truly blessed when we found Dr. Mark Schultzel as our orthopedic shoulder specialist. Dr. Schultzel (Dr. Mark as we call him) is not only an outstanding doctor but a one of a kind human being!!!! My husband is very orthopedically challenged. Several previous back surgeries, hip surgeries, knee surgeries, neck issues, prior shoulder surgeries throughout his life. Over the past year my husband had experienced severe pain in his right shoulder. After being diagnosed by two different orthopedic doctors it was suggested a complete reverse shoulder replacement would be in order. With that said it wasn't going to be a easy surgical procedure. Moving along........... its been nine months since surgery, happy to report Mike has fully recovered from surgery with no complications. He has been able to return to his normal functions for a 75 year old man with of course limitations. I truly believe the success of his surgery was because of the expertise, skills,… knowledge of Dr. Mark Schultzel. Not only is Dr. Schultzel our doctor but we consider him a friend. He went over and above his professional duties to make sure my husband was in the best hands. I can honestly say Dr Schultzel is a excellent surgeon and we would totally recommend him to anyone needing shoulder replacements/care. Side note: I (wife) was at one of Mike's follow-up appointments and he knew I had broken my femur months prior. At the end of the appointment, he asked me how I was doing. I told him still experiencing pain and he said let me refer you to some of my colleagues at UCSD. Happy to report with his referral and a new set of eyes I am walking pain free. If anyone would like to speak with my husband on his surgery/recovery Dr. Mark's office is welcome to pass on our information for we can call you. Both my husband and I highly recommend Dr. Mark Schultzel. He's outstanding... Mike & Debbie

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Mark Schultzel. He is, without a doubt, the most caring, focused, intelligent, and diligent orthopedic doctor I have ever met. From the very first appointment, he took the time to truly listen—not just to my symptoms, but to my concerns, and hopes for recovery. His focus and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that I was in the best possible hands. Dr. Schultzel's medical expertise is truly astonishing, but what makes him truly exceptional is the way he combines that skill with genuine compassion. He explains complex medical information in a way that’s clear and reassuring, ensuring you understand every step of your treatment plan. He is diligent in following up, thorough in his evaluations, and deeply committed to his patients. As someone who had been referred to other orthopedic doctors who disregarded my pain and symptoms, Dr. Schultzel always took the time to really evaluate my MR Is and X-rays, as well as listening to me… and the problems I was having. When other doctors did not notice clear injuries in my MRI and disregarded my pain saying it was simply in my head, Dr. Schultzel observed and was able to give me a clear diagnosis. Even now, years after my injury, whenever I have an appointment, he makes it a point to see how I am doing and what I have been up to. Caring about not only patients' injuries but also about them as people is one of the most incredible attributes of Dr. Schultzel. It’s rare to find a doctor who is both a brilliant clinician and a genuinely kind human being, but Dr. Schultzel embodies both perfectly. I am deeply grateful for his care and would recommend him to anyone seeking the very best in orthopedic medicine.