Dr. Mark Valente

Board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon

Meet Dr. Mark Valente

Dr. Mark Valente

DISC Spine Institute

Meet one of the most trusted spine doctors in the nation. A specialist in minimally invasive procedures and the Founder and Medical Director of DISC Spine Institute, with locations in Plano, Dallas, North Ft. Worth, Arlington and Decatur. Dr. Valente is an expert in solving back issues and quickly returning patients to active, pain-free lives.

Dr. Valente is providing his patients with unparalleled care and treatment for all spinal conditions from back and neck pain to complex reconstructive spinal procedures. Dr. Valente has extensive specialized training in minimally invasive surgery of the spine.

Well liked by his colleagues, peers and patients, Dr. Valente is often recognized for his ability to communicate with his patients and for his bedside manner. He believes in treating his patients with the attention and respect that every person deserves. Outside of medicine, Dr. Valente’s passion is for his family and world travel. He has journeyed to over 50 countries – including Guatemala, where he participated in a medical mission.

Dr. Valente Fast Facts

Nationwide, ranked number 3 among all orthopedic surgeons sitting for the oral board examination (AOBOS)
Board Certified and Fellowship Trained orthopedic spine surgeon
Has lectured and published extensively
Participated in numerous research protocols
Has been appointed to Clinical Instructor positions at both Michigan State University and the University of California
Founder and Medical Director of DISC Spine Institute

To become expert in the most advanced techniques and procedures in the field, he trained extensively at leading edge institutions throughout the country:

University of California, San Diego
Cedars Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan

Dr. Valente believes in the body’s ability to heal. Every attempt is made to cure a patient’s back pain without surgery. Non-surgical treatments can include:

Anti-inflammatory Medications
Physical Therapy
Aquatic Therapy
Massage
Injection Therapy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic Care
Ultrasound

But if symptoms continue after non-surgical treatments, Dr. Valente is a premiere spine surgeon who has helped countless patients achieve a healthy, happy, pain-free life.

Dr. Valente routinely performs all aspects of spinal surgery – cervical, thoracic and lumbar, including minimally invasive procedures for:

Herniated Discs
Stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Trauma
Compression Fractures
Degenerative Disc Disease

He also performs complex spinal reconstruction and deformity surgeries, including scoliosis and revision surgery for patients who have undergone previous spinal surgery without success.

Get To Know Dr. Valente

Where did you grow up?

Suburbs of Detroit, Michigan

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I have 3 older sisters and a younger brother, of which 2 have also gone into medicine. One sister is a hematologist and oncologist in Florida and my brother is an emergency medicine physician in Chicago.

Where did you go to college?

The University of Michigan. Go Blue!

When did you decide to become a doctor?

When I was 13 years old. I remember listening to my parents and one of my sisters talking about career options for her. When they discussed a career in medicine as a physician it really struck a cord with me. Listening to this discussion, I had the realization that I could have a career that allowed me to quench my thirst for the sciences while directly helping others on a daily basis. I felt, at that moment and today, that a life as a physician would keep me fulfilled in a meaningful and altruistic way. It was the definitive turning point in my life. I have been passionate about my pursuit of medicine and helping people ever since.

What motivates you?

The sense of knowing that I have helped another person and that my efforts have contributed to their improved well being and quality of life.

Favorite place you have ever traveled?

This is a tough one, as I have visited over 50 countries. My top places would be: Bali, Paris, Cape Town, Florence, Ethiopia, and Bora Bora.

If you could go to dinner with anyone?

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations. I think he would be interesting to talk to about where humanity is and where it is going in various regions around the world. Where are the trouble spots politically, socially, economically? What are the success stories and how can we learn from the past to help societies move forward.

Favorite food or meal you’ve ever eaten?

Pizza!

Favorite TV Show?

Seinfeld

How do you relax?

If you ask my wife, I don’t 🙂 By sleeping and traveling.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Do unto others as you would have done unto you (The Golden Rule, Jesus of Nazareth).

How do you keep your back healthy?

By performing core exercises to strengthen my abdomen and back muscles equally. By avoiding exercises or activities that involve repetitive twisting, bending and heavy lifting (particularly overhead lifting or lifting while bending my back).

What are your goals for the future?

To be a great husband and to raise children who are well adjusted, happy and who follow the Golden Rule.