Dr.

Biography

Baxter Laboratory focuses on bridging the gap between preclinical animal models and patient-centered clinical research to optimize treatment solutions for musculoskeletal injuries. The primary research interest is to improve rehabilitative care for Achilles tendon injuries, which affect patients who suffer from acute tendon injuries, such as ruptures, and chronic tendon pain, like tendinopathy. Current treatments are limited to load management and surgical interventions. The research employs two conceptual frameworks: first, utilizing small animal models to directly assess the effects of different rehabilitation loading types on tendon healing; second, conducting longitudinal studies with patients to identify tendon loading profiles that correlate with optimal outcomes. The laboratory's ongoing studies aim to expedite fundamental discoveries related to patient care, with a focus on optimizing rehabilitation loading to provide immediate and effective non-surgical treatment options for tendon injuries, which are important for reimbursement by health insurers. This research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

Research Interests