Robert J. O'Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C

Assistant Professor , Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Robert O’Brien, DrPH, MHS, PA-C, joined the physician assistant program faculty in May 2023. He has practiced clinically in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, sports traumatology, joint reconstruction, and reconstructive plastic surgery. His clinical work includes peri-operative management and first assisting within the operating room. His professional interests include sports injury prevention, surgical innovation, preventive medicine, evidence-based care, inclusion of marginalized populations in sports, and the effective integration of public health concepts into clinical medicine. He continues to remain involved in several research efforts focused on these areas. Dr. O’Brien completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond, studying leadership and medical humanities. He earned his master’s in health sciences from Drexel University in 2013. He earned his doctoral degree in public health from Walden University in 2023.

Publications

  • Published 4/28/2026

    Mueller MM, Conner-Rilk S, Kunze KN, von Rehlingen-Prinz F, Goodhart GC, Tomanek FM, O'Brien RJ, van der List JP, DiFelice GS. Chronicity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Does Not Adversely Affect the Clinical Outcomes of Primary Repair in Appropriately Selected Patients. Arthroscopy. 2026 Apr 28. PMID: 42047400.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 4/7/2026

    Mueller MM, Conner-Rilk S, Goodhart GC, Mintz DN, Kunze KN, von Rehlingen-Prinz F, Vermeijden HD, O'Brien RJ, van der List JP, DiFelice GS. Low Incidence of Osteoarthritis and Excellent Clinical Outcomes at Minimum 10 Years Following Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Orthop J Sports Med. 2026 Apr; 14(4):23259671261422236. PMID: 41958685.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/26/2026

    Mueller MM, Monteleone TC, Hingsamer V, Conner-Rilk S, Goodhart GC, O'Brien RJ, van der List JP, DiFelice GS. Low Failure Rates and Favorable Outcomes of Meniscal Repair With Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Primary Repair at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. Orthop J Sports Med. 2026 Jan; 14(1):23259671251408799. PMID: 41607471.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 10/31/2025

    Mueller MM, Hingsamer V, Conner-Rilk S, Monteleone TC, O'Brien RJ, DiFelice GS. Primary Arthroscopic Repair of Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears. Arthrosc Tech. 2025 Dec; 14(12):103953. PMID: 41541377.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 9/12/2025

    Mueller MM, Conner-Rilk S, De Lorenzi VJ, Monteleone TC, O'Brien RJ, van der List JP, DiFelice GS, Mintz DN. Tear location of posterior cruciate ligament tears: introduction and reliability of a magnetic resonance imaging-based classification. Skeletal Radiol. 2026 Feb; 55(2):367-374. PMID: 40938384.

    Read at: PubMed

View All 21 Publications:   View Full Profile in BUMC

Websites

Education

  • Drexel University, MHS
  • University of Richmond, BA

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