Physician Profile: Orthopedic Surgeon Enjoys Grilling and Country Music

Premier Pulse January 2019 Jan 1, 2019

Mark Zunkiewicz, MD, sees patients at Premier Orthopedics–UVMC.

What is your clinical specialty?
Orthopedic surgery

Where did you go to school?
Undergraduate – Ohio Wesleyan University
Medical school – University of Toledo
Internship and residency – Allegheny General Hospital
Fellowship – Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center

What brought you to Premier Health?
The opportunity to join an established, successful practice while at the same time offering an additional skill set to the people of Miami County and Southwest Ohio. My wife and I also wanted to start a family close to where we grew up.

Why did you choose medicine as a career?
I had the opportunity to shadow professionals in numerous fields in grade school and high school. Medicine won my heart after I was involved in a water sports accident as a junior in high school. Afterward, I met some good physicians and some not-so-good physicians. I promised myself I would become one of the good ones.

Who are the people who influenced and/or mentored you?
Anthony Frogameni, MD
Paul Fenton, MD
Larry Field, MD
Walter Shelton, MD

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have one younger sister (former Navy nurse) and one younger brother (financial planner). I am an uncle to triplets (one nephew, two nieces).

Where is your hometown?
Findlay, Ohio

What, if any, sports team(s) do you cheer for?
Notre Dame football and basketball
Pittsburgh Steelers football

What is the last book you read?
“The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance” by David Epstein
“The Reckoning” by John Grisham

What is your favorite song in your playlist?
Just about any Zach Brown Band song; and “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton

What is your favorite food?
Steak – medium rare

What are your favorite hobbies?
Scuba diving, boating, running, golfing

What is your favorite animal, and why?
Dog – very loyal, always glad to see me

Where is your favorite vacation spot, and why?
Tie between Aruba and Turks and Caicos Islands – beautiful beaches, clear water, rarely a rainy day

Describe something for which you are especially thankful:
My son, Luke. Watching him grow and guiding him during the past 29 months has been an honor and a pleasure.