Dr. Carlin Senter
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician in Northern California
Meet Dr. Carlin Senter, a dedicated 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. Her clinical interests are diverse, including exercise counseling and prescription, which involve tailoring physical activity recommendations to meet the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Senter also specializes in the management and treatment of sports concussions, providing comprehensive care for athletes recovering from head injuries. She serves as the director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Service within the UCSF Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder 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 two annual continuing education courses in sports medicine, further underscoring her commitment to advancing the field and sharing her knowledge with other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Senter’s academic journey began at 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, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the Society of General Internal 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 sports and fitness 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 continues to give back to the athletic community by serving as a team physician for the University of San Francisco, the Academy of Art University, and Washington High School, where she provides expert medical care to student-athletes.
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 the beautiful Marin County, and indulging in her favorite treat, It’s-It ice cream sandwiches. A devoted fan of the Oakland Athletics, she also enjoys cheering on her hometown baseball team.
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