Mark J. Pellegrino, MD, specializes in fibromyalgia and also suffers from the condition. He believes that his unique perspective as a physician-patient will help others better understand and deal with their fibromyalgia. 

Pellegrino grew up in Canton, Ohio, and attended the Ohio State University for undergraduate school, medical school, and residency. He finished his four-year residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) in 1988. PM&R is the specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions causing pain, weakness, and functional impairment, such as fibromyalgia. During his training in PM&R, Pellegrino was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. As a result, he became particularly interested in this condition both from a personal and professional standpoint. He performed research and had several papers published in peer-reviewed journals on fibromyalgia, electrodiagnosis (an electrical test of nerves and muscles), and hearing impairment. The fibromyalgia papers included hereditary aspects of fibromyalgia, mitral valve prolapse and fibromyalgia, and atypical chest pain in fibromyalgia. 

Over the years he has authored numerous articles and books on fibromyalgia. He published his first book in 1993. His 13th book on fibromyalgia is titled Fibromyalgia: Up Close and Personal.  He says writing has been important therapy for managing his own fibromyalgia successfully. 

Pellegrino practices medicine at Ohio Pain and Rehab Specialists, which provides a broad range of pain management and specialty services, www.ohiopainrehab.com. His main interest has continued to be fibromylgia. Over the years he has seen more than 23,000 patients with this disorder. He says it is his quest to better the lives of those with fibromyalgia.