Medical School
The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL

Residency
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Fellowship
University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Matthew Crooks has had the distinction of training with leading experts in pain medicine at two of the nation’s top hospitals. After graduating from The Chicago Medical School, he had extensive training in acute and chronic pain management while completing residency in Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. While at Johns Hopkins, he had the honor of being selected Chief Resident of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine for the 2008-2009 year.

During fellowship in Pain Medicine at UCLA, Dr. Crooks served as Chair of the Resident Section Committee of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, focusing on teaching and developing the next generation of pain specialists. He has published both articles in peer-reviewed journals and textbook chapters in the field of pain management, and is actively involved in research focusing on outcomes studies of interventional pain procedures, as well as developing new pain treatments.

Delivering the highest quality patient care has been the primary focus of Dr. Crooks throughout his career in medicine. He believes that the best attribute a physician can have is the ability to listen to their patient, and to understand the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. This relationship is essential in managing chronic pain, restoring function, and getting back to life.

Dr. Crooks’ interests include spinal injections, radiofrequency ablation, and neuromodulation by spinal cord stimulation, and Botox treatment for migraine headaches. He is well versed in interventional and multimodal pain management, and is passionate about improving the lives of his patients by limiting the impact of chronic pain.

Were there any inspirational doctors or mentors that you have had?

I have been very fortunate to have been mentored by several truly inspirational physicians and leaders in pain management at both Johns Hopkins and at UCLA. Two that stand our for me are Dr. Steven Cohen and Dr. Michael Ferrante. These doctors have impressed upon me the interest and curiosity to stay active in the most current developments in the field, to become highly skilled in pain management diagnostic and treatment strategies, and to develop a compassionate, patient-focused way of practicing medicine.

What is your favorite thing to do outside the office?

My favorite thing to do outside the office is to spend time with my wife and two young sons, especially taking day trips and exploring new places.