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Meet Dr. Carlin Senter, a primary care sports medicine physician with a passion for helping patients of all ages maintain an active lifestyle, minimize their risk of injury, and reach their optimal performance levels. She is Chief of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Division within the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and is the Co-Director of the UCSF Sports Concussion Program, where she integrates her expertise in both primary care and sports medicine to deliver exceptional patient care.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Senter is actively involved in research aimed at enhancing musculoskeletal education for primary care providers. Recognizing the critical role that primary care clinicians play in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions, she has developed innovative educational programs designed to increase knowledge and improve diagnostic skills among medical students, residents, and practicing clinicians. Her efforts have led to the creation of comprehensive training modules and workshops that emphasize the importance of musculoskeletal health in overall patient care. Dr. Senter also co-chairs an annual continuing education course in sports medicine, further underscoring her commitment to advancing the field and sharing her knowledge with other healthcare professionals.

Dr. Senter attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she earned her medical degree.

She then completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at UCLA. This rigorous training provided her with a strong foundation in both primary care and sports medicine, enabling her to offer comprehensive care to her patients.

An active member of several professional organizations, Dr. Senter belongs to the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Her dedication to education and clinical excellence has earned her numerous awards for teaching and service, reflecting her commitment to both her patients and her profession.

Dr. Senter’s passion for physical activity is deeply rooted in her own experiences as an athlete. Growing up in the East Bay, she was a three-sport high school athlete and went on to row for Radcliffe Crew during her undergraduate years at Harvard College. Her athletic background informs her approach to patient care, as she understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of maintaining an active lifestyle. Today, she supports student-athletes by serving as a team physician for the University of San Francisco and Washington High School (Go Eagles!) She is a lifelong baseball fan and one of the team physicians for the San Francisco Giants.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Senter enjoys staying active and exploring the outdoors. She can often be found running along the scenic trails at Lands End, hiking in Marin County, and indulging in her favorite treat, It’s-It ice cream sandwiches.

Dr. Carlin Senter

Education

  • David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 2004

Residencies

  • University of Washington Medical Center, Internal Medicine, 2008

Fellowships

  • UCLA Health System, Primary Care Sports Medicine, 2009

Board Certifications

  • Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Sports Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

Academic Title

  • Professor

Patient Testimonials for Dr. Carlin Senter

  • Vitals 912769Vitals

    Dr. Senter is one of the best physicians I have ever seen. I've been her patient both through UCSF Orthopedics and through the UCSF Concussion Clinic and would recommend her wholeheartedly. Each appointment is comprehensive, with Dr. Senter taking time to ask about all facets of the injury/condition...

    Verified Patient

  • Vitals 912767Vitals

    Very very lucky to have this doctor for my wife m my sister in law , and for myself . UCSF hospital , and Health Net are also top , top rated .

    Verified Patient

  • Vitals 912766Vitals

    For many years , my experiences with Dr Senter have been uniformly superb : comprehensive , through , and no hurry . Easy access , and very patient . My wife , and her sister also see Dr Senter . I am fortunate , and also wish others to have such a remarkable doctor .

    Verified Patient

  • Webmd 912765Webmd

    "Love Doctor Carlin Senter. I really trust her. So easy to talk to and very knowledgeable"

    Verified Patient

  • Webmd 912764Webmd

    "Excellent care. Highly recommended"

    Verified Patient

  • Webmd 912763Webmd

    "Was clear in her recommendations"

    Verified Patient

  • Webmd 912762Webmd

    "Considerate of my long drive. Dr Senters had Orthopedic Surgeon come in for consult Appreciated not having to make another drive."

    Verified Patient

Practice Location of Dr. Carlin Senter
  • San Francisco Orthopaedic Institute
    1500 Owens Street, 2nd Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

  • Marin Greenbrae Office (Pediatrics only)
    1300 S. Eliseo Dr. Ste. 204
    Greenbrae, CA 94904

  • Walnut Creek Office (Pediatrics only)
    2401 Shadelands Dr.
    Walnut Creek, CA 94598

  • Oakland Office (Pediatrics only)
    744 52nd St.
    Oakland CA 94609

  • Berkeley Outpatient Center
    3100 San Pablo Avenue, 4th Floor
    Berkeley, CA 94702

  • Redwood Shores
    290 Redwood Shores Pkwy
    Redwood City, CA 94065

  • San Francisco (Pediatrics only)
    1825 Fourth St, 5th floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158